Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
National Library of Medicine study of the use of MEDLINE (15:
Lindberg, et al, 1993). There have been studies of information
behavior (16: Hripcsak & Clayton, 1994; 17: Sonnenwalk & Pierce,
2000). Other practical applications include quality management
(18: Beech & Norman, 1995; 19: Grant, 1996); clinical situations
(20: Cheek, 1997), education contexts (14: Rosenal, 1995; 21:
Killen & McKee, 1983; 22: Crouch, 1991). Nursing research has
utilized the CIT in several areas of specialty (23: Benner, 1984; 24:
Narayanasamy & Owens, 2001; 25: Bromstrom et al., 2003; 26:
Narayanasamy et al., 2004; 27: Fagerskiold et al., 2003). With
regard to health care quality, multiple studies have been conducted
(28: Grant & Hryack, 1987; 29: Kemppainen et al., 1998). It is
obvious that the CIT is an accessible, efficient and adaptable
research instrument that can transcend various realms of research
and study.
Conclusion on the CIT
It is apparent that the CIT is a useful tool to utilize in qualitative
research. It has been utilized with a multifarious group of
participants and academic settings. CITs’ are a powerful
methodological instrument that can foster reflection and promote
personal expression. It is obviously a useful technique to expand
nursing knowledge and understanding on a sundry of multilayered
levels. Some potential ways in which nurses can use CITs in
educational practice is to foster self-reflection; to inform educators
of the reality and impact of nurses’ experiences; to conduct learning
needs assessments and to acquire exemplars useful in teaching
(14). Furthermore, CITs’ can be used to gain a meaningful
understanding of nurses’ perceptions on various issues. Finally,
CITs’ can be used to assist nurses and healthcare professionals to
gain a deeper and more personal understanding of clients, acquiring
their perspectives and concerns; as well as a more personal
awareness of one self.
HOLISTIC NURSING
Holistic nursing is a personal and professional commitment to the
healing process of self and others. The recognition by holistic
nurses of the interrelationships of the bio-psycho-social-spiritualcultural
elements will impact how the client perceives the holistic
nurses’ involvement. The significant intent to practice holistically,
to bring a sense of calmness and understanding of the client’s
needs, leads to an improved and enhanced healing process for the
client. The competency of holistic nurse practitioners revolves
around their ability to incorporate the concepts and standards of the
philosophy of holistic nursing into their life and practice. Holistic
nursing is not just a profession; it is a way of being. A holistic
nurse recognizes the importance of understanding and honoring the
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