A Theory of the Art of Nursing Discovered in Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

Abstract

More nurses today than ever before are delivering primary care. As they address the contemporary challenges in the delivery of care, the relationship between the manner of nursing and the quality of care is recognized. The purpose of this project was to formalize a theory of the art of nursing from the writings of Martha Rogers, who recognized the vital nature of interpersonal human caring. Using a qualitative hermeneutic research approach, the author discovered a theory of the art of nursing that specified relationships among respect, responsibility, and empathy. The theory proposes that the art of nursing is the ability to balance responsibility for the welfare of others with respect for their human freedom and individual rights through empathic, knowing participation in the moral action we call nursing practice.