Nursing knowledge is classified in a variety of ways, one of which is Carper’s Patterns of Knowing (Carper,
1978). Carper’s framework offers a lens through which the nurse can reflect upon insights acquired through
empirical, ethical, personal, and aesthetic knowledge (Carper, 1978). Through intentional reflection using
Carper’s Patterns of Knowing, nurses can process experiential learning and knowledge acquired through
practice. The purpose of this assignment is to reflect upon a specific practice situation and better
understand the professional knowledge and insights obtained through that experience.
Think of a surprising or challenging practice situation in which you felt under prepared, unprepared, or
uncomfortable.
Select an important nursing issue/topic that was inherent to the identified situation.
As a method of refection, use Carper’s Patterns of Knowing to analyze the situation. In a two- to three-page
paper address the following:
Briefly explain the situation
Identify the nursing issue inherent in the identified situation
What do you think was the underlying reason for the situation? (Esthetics)
What were your thoughts and feeling in the situation? (Personal)
What was one personal belief that impacted your actions? (Ethics)
What evidence in nursing literature supports the nursing importance of the identified issue? (Empirical)
What new insights did you gain through this reflective practice opportunity?