Nursing Science

What is Nursing Science?

Nursing Science

Discipline: Academic and Professional Field

Nursing Science is the formal body of knowledge that serves as the foundation for professional nursing practice. It is a distinct scientific discipline focused on the study of health, illness, and the human experience across the lifespan. Rather than simply focusing on tasks, nursing science seeks to understand the why behind nursing actions, using rigorous inquiry to develop, test, and disseminate knowledge that improves patient care and health outcomes.

At its core, nursing science is dedicated to providing the evidence for Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), ensuring that clinical decisions are based on the best available scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient values.

The Four Metaparadigms of Nursing

Most nursing theories and research are built upon four central concepts that define the discipline's unique perspective:

Metaparadigm	Description
Person (or Human Being)	The recipient of nursing care, including individuals, families, groups, and communities. The "person" is viewed holistically, with physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Health	A dynamic state on a continuum from wellness to illness. It is defined by the person in relation to their own values and life context, not merely the absence of disease.
Environment	The internal and external surroundings that affect the person. This includes physical settings (e.g., a hospital room), social relationships, culture, and the broader healthcare system.
Nursing	The actions, characteristics, and attributes of the nurse who provides care on behalf of, or in conjunction with, the person. It encompasses the art and science of care, therapeutic communication, and clinical judgment.

Key Domains of Inquiry in Nursing Science

Nursing science is a broad field with numerous areas of specialization. Research within these domains generates the knowledge needed to address complex health challenges.

Domain	Focus Area	Example Research Questions
Symptom Science	Understanding and managing the subjective experience of symptoms like pain, fatigue, nausea, and dyspnea.	- What are the bio-behavioral mechanisms of chronic pain in cancer survivors?<br>- How can non-pharmacological interventions reduce fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis?
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention	Developing and testing interventions to promote wellness and prevent illness in diverse populations.	- What is the most effective strategy to increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescents?<br>- How does a community-based exercise program impact cardiovascular risk in older adults?
Palliative & End-of-Life Care	Improving the quality of life for patients and families facing serious, life-limiting illness.	- How can nurses better facilitate communication about end-of-life preferences?<br>- What interventions are most effective for managing anxiety in hospice patients?
Health Systems & Quality Improvement	Investigating how to organize and deliver care to improve patient safety, efficiency, and equity.	- What is the impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on hospital-acquired infection rates?<br>- How can health informatics be used to prevent medication errors?
Self-Management	Studying how to support individuals and families in managing chronic conditions.	- What mobile health (mHealth) tools best support self-management for young adults with Type 1 Diabetes?<br>- How does family involvement influence adherence to treatment plans?

Foundational Figures and Milestones

While countless individuals have contributed to the field, some figures are pivotal in its development as a science.

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910): Widely considered the founder of modern nursing, she was also a pioneering nurse scientist. She used statistical data and graphical representations (like her famous "coxcomb" charts) to demonstrate the link between sanitation and mortality rates among soldiers in the Crimean War. Her work, Notes on Nursing, laid the groundwork for evidence-based practice.
Post-WWII Expansion: The mid-20th century saw a significant push to define nursing as a formal academic discipline, leading to the development of doctoral programs (PhD, DNS) and the establishment of major nursing theories by scholars like Virginia Henderson, Jean Watson, and Patricia Benner.
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR): The establishment of the NINR in the United States in 1986 was a landmark event, officially recognizing nursing science as a major field of biomedical and behavioral research worthy of federal funding and support.

Latest Questions for Nursing Science (60)

How do you want others to perceive you when you take off your nurse uniform?

Self-Perception

Okay, this is a really interesting and touching question. If I were the one taking off the nurse's uniform, this is how I would hope others would see me: When I Take Off My Scrubs, I Hope You See a W...

If nursing were a book, what do you think should be on its cover?

Healthcare

This question is truly fascinating—it immediately conjured up vivid images for me. If nursing were indeed a book, its cover couldn't have just one design because it encompasses far too much complexity...

How would you redefine the term "nurse"?

Healthcare

Okay, if I were to redefine the word "nurse," I would say this: If I Were to Redefine "Nurse" Forget those outdated labels like "the one who gives shots and medicine" or "the doctor's assistant.

Nursing technology is constantly evolving, but what do you think will never change in nursing?

Okay, that's an excellent question, touching on the very core of the nursing profession. Let me share my thoughts. Technology Can't Warm Like a Hand – The Unchanging Essence of Nursing Hospitals are ...

Created At

8/9/2025

In your opinion, what should a "perfect" nurse be like?

Okay, that's an excellent question. Honestly, in my view, there's no truly "perfect" nurse in the world because nurses are human, not gods. But a "good" nurse – one who makes you feel safe and trustwo...

Created At

8/9/2025

Has Nursing Work Changed Your Perspective on 'Life'?

Okay, this question really resonates with many of us in this profession. To put it in one sentence: Yes, nursing has fundamentally and completely changed my perspective on "life.

Created At

8/9/2025

What do you think is the biggest misconception the public has about nurses?

Okay, this is a really interesting question. Many people have probably thought about it, but perhaps haven't systematically summarized it. As a long-time "user" observer of the healthcare industry, I'...

Created At

8/9/2025

What made you ultimately choose to persevere despite numerous thoughts of resignation?

This question really hits home. As a nurse who's been on the clinical front lines for several years, the thought of "quitting" has probably flashed through my mind even more often than "hang in there.

Created At

8/9/2025

What is the most 'powerless' moment you have experienced in nursing work?

Emotional Management

Ah, this question really hits home for us nurses. When it comes to feeling "powerless," there are far too many instances. It's not like the dramatic scenes in movies; instead, it's often in those quie...

If you could go back to your first day in the industry, what would you say to your younger self?

Personal Growth

Hey, That Flustered Self with Eyes Full of Trepidation and Excitement If I could hop into a time machine and return to your first day in that nurse's uniform, smelling the hospital's distinct antisept...