Hvorfor trenger vi humanistisk kunnskap i sykepleien?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to argue for the need for humanistic knowledge in nursing through the work of the Norwegian pioneer and deacon-nurse Ulrikke Eleonore (known as Rikke) Nissen (1834–1892) and the well-known author of the modern philosophy of care in Norway, the philosopher and nurse Kari Martinsen (1943–). The methodological approach is derived from the hermeneutic philosophy of the German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900–2002). The findings indicate that humanistic knowledge has a profound influence on how knowledge is interpreted and used by the nurse in context with patients. By extension, it also has a fundamental impact on moral conduct and practice. The writings of Martinsen and Nissen offer valuable knowledge and deeper insights into the nature and conditions of professional experience. The need for humanistic knowledge in nursing has been found to be particularly relevant in understanding professional fore-understanding and moral insight (bildung) as well as to the process of experience.