Perspect Nurs Sci.  2015 Oct;12(2):124-127. 10.16952/pns.2015.12.2.124.

Nursing Philosophy: Rethinking Nurses' Moral Dilemma and Self-cultivation from the Perspectives of Foucauldian Notions

• Koh EK

• KMID: 2315718
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16952/pns.2015.12.2.124

Abstract

PURPOSE
This article discusses nurses' moral dilemma and self-cultivation from the Foucauldian viewpoint.
METHODS
The philosophical inquiry approach is utilized to analyze the nurses' moral distress. Analyses are based on Foucauldian perspectives.
RESULTS
Foucault's codes of conduct comprising the mode of subjection and telos are discussed to explain nurses' moral dilemma. The dual process of caring is also discussed.
CONCLUSION
From dilemmatic experience, nurses practice self-formation or self-cultivation to become more virtuous, well-balanced, or integrated people. Such characteristics form the essence of nursing practice.

Keyword

Nursing philosophy; Foucault; Moral dilemma

MeSH Terms

Nursing*
Philosophy, Nursing*

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