Using Margaret Newman’s Health as Expanding Consciousness to Explore Pediatric Nurses’ Pattern Recognition Process

Abstract

Background and PurposeThis study explored pattern recognition practices of experienced pediatric nurses caring for children with chronic, complex healthcare needs and their families. Nurses worked in the inpatient settings of two different freestanding pediatric hospitals.MethodsMargaret Newman’s theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness (1999) was used to explore the pediatric nurses' experiences. During interviews, participants (n = 8) related their stories in caring for these children and their families. Individual interview data were blended to examine themes.ResultsParticipants described people and events in practice that allowed them to use pattern recognition in the care of children with chronic, complex healthcare needs. Pattern recognition developed in acknowledgement of their past experiences in nursing, as well as with each individual patient and family.Implications for PracticeParticipants had the opportunity to reflect on relationships between their day-to-day practice and their experiences building knowledge and understanding in practice. They considered their abilities to move from skills and tasks to appreciating what each patient and family has taught them about their practice of pattern recognition.