Holism, care and nursing: points of reflection during the evolution of a philosophy of nursing statement

Abstract

An exploration of the diversity and complexity of perspectives from which holism and care can legitimately be constructed. The preparation of a document for accreditation of a proposed pre-registration Bachelor of Nursing award was the impetus for this exploration. School members deemed holism and care to be central to our philosophy of nursing statement, however, difficulty arose in determining a shared understanding of these notions. Through reflective deliberation and a review of the literature, the authors attempted to unravel the range of meanings given to these problematic terms.

Key Words:

• Caring
• Curriculum development
• Holistic health
• Philosophy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julianne Cheek

Julianne Cheek, Terri Gibson and Marie Heartfield are lecturers in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of South Australia, Julianne Cheek is currently the Coordinator of the Master of Nursing, and Research Consultant to the Faculty. Terri Gibson and Marie Heartfield are registered nurses with 17–20 years experience in a variety of settings. Both are enrolled in the final year of the Master of Nursing Studies Award at Flinders University and Deakin University respectively.

Terri Gibson

Julianne Cheek, Terri Gibson and Marie Heartfield are lecturers in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of South Australia, Julianne Cheek is currently the Coordinator of the Master of Nursing, and Research Consultant to the Faculty. Terri Gibson and Marie Heartfield are registered nurses with 17–20 years experience in a variety of settings. Both are enrolled in the final year of the Master of Nursing Studies Award at Flinders University and Deakin University respectively.

Marie Heartfield

Julianne Cheek, Terri Gibson and Marie Heartfield are lecturers in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of South Australia, Julianne Cheek is currently the Coordinator of the Master of Nursing, and Research Consultant to the Faculty. Terri Gibson and Marie Heartfield are registered nurses with 17–20 years experience in a variety of settings. Both are enrolled in the final year of the Master of Nursing Studies Award at Flinders University and Deakin University respectively.