| Learning Objective #1: Describe a model for building the nurse community within an online graduate theory course | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe a holographic approach to teaching and identify necessary considerations in developing curriculuum from the framework of a caring hologogy |
Many concerns challenge the current state of global health; events in any one area will ultimately impact the world. Nursing is in a position to respond, but we must build the cohesiveness of our community. Students’ understanding of historical, philosophical, and theoretical structures of nursing can provide an anchor to the discipline, understanding of the wisdom, and promote a connection with the greater community of nursing.
Objective: The objective for this research was to develop and evaluate a graduate educational model for building nurse community.
Design: Qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was utilized for this study.
Population: The population for this study included 25 master's nursing students enrolled in a one-semester online nursing philosophy and theory course. Students were located nationally and internationally.
Concept Studied: The model for the course evolved from a synthesis of Watson’s (1988) transpersonal caring framework and the holographic perspective for science described by Harmen (1998). This transpersonal-holographic position centers on the interconnectedness and relational existence of all things and the interdependence of all human communities.
Methods: Qualitative analysis of asynchronous online discussions from a 15-week period was conducted using Nudist 6.0 for data management and analysis activities.
Findings: Five structural stages for community building process were developed: Identifying; connecting; relating; becoming; and joining. Specific instructional approaches that facilitated each stage were identified. Thematic analysis of asynchronous online discussion throughout the course illuminated transformational phases in the process of building nurse community and establishing connection with the wisdom of nursing.
Implications: A model was created to portray the process for building nurse community through a caring hologogy. Educational models that facilitate building nurse community may create the potential for nurses to work collaboratively to impact world health.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003