Tree of Life in Community Nursing Practices: Curriculum Analysis of Five Universities

Abstract

Objective: To interpret community academic practices based on the analysis of the curricula of nursing programs from five universities located in the Eje Cafetero (Coffeee Region), Colombia 2021-2022. Method: Qualitative hermeneutic study with a documentary review of curricular elements in nursing programs related to community practices. The document analysis was conducted using a spiral process of preconceived interpretation. The curricular components were examined to gain insight and depict them within the metaphorical framework of the tree of life. Results: From the analysis, an emerging pattern is identified, represented through the metaphor of the tree of life: “the being” (the roots), where the student’s lived experience is essential for comprehensive learning for self and others’ care; “the knowledge” (the trunk), where research and knowledge connect with “the reflective practice” (the branches), which emerge in the context of care in various settings through collaborative and sociopolitical work. Conclusions: Community academic practices are developed by considering three key components: “the being” with ethical commitment and critical thinking, “the knowledge” through sociopolitical knowledge and human social development, and “reflective practice,” a result of the skills acquired by students.