The nursing discipline and self-realization

Abstract

Background:

It is obvious from literature within the nursing discipline that nursing is related to moral or moral–philosophical related ideas which are other-oriented. The socio-cultural process of change in modern society implies that more self-oriented ideas have been found to be significant.

Aim:

The overall aim of this article is to highlight self-oriented moral or moral–philosophical related ideas as an important part of the nursing discipline. This is achieved by (a) exploring self-realization as a significant self-oriented moral or moral–philosophical related idea based on a philosophical anthropological perspective, (b) demonstrating how moral or moral–philosophical related ideas are expressed by nurses, (c) discussing the relevance of self-realization for the nursing discipline, and (d) pointing out possible consequences for the future development of the discipline of nursing.

Research design:

This theoretical study draws empirical examples from interviews.

Participants and research context:

Data consisted of interviews with 13 nurses with varying work experience within the primary and secondary somatic and psychiatric health service, from inside as well as outside institutions.

Ethical considerations:

The empirical study was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Information was given and consent was obtained from the study participants.

Findings:

Findings are presented in two themes: (a) other-oriented ideas and (b) self-oriented ideas. More concretely, the findings show that nurses hope to make life as good as possible for the patient and they have a wish to improve themselves as human beings, to become better persons.

Discussion:

The relevance of self-realization for the nursing discipline is discussed along two lines, first, by connecting nurses’ self-understanding to a horizon of identity and second, by considering what self-realization could offer.

Conclusion:

It is of ultimate concern for the nursing discipline to highlight self-realization connected to the positive view of freedom understood as an exercise-concept. Further identifying and articulating the contribution of self-realization to nurses and nursing practice is of particular importance.