Philosophy of Science for Nursing Practice: Concepts and Application

Named a 2013 Doody's Core Title!

A challenge ahead for nursing is to take the path of most resistance rather than the easier road of least resistance. The debate needs to continue...[by focusing on] whether nursing is teaching an appropriate level of inquiry including philosophy and methodologies specific to those real-world, rapidly changing conditions that characterize today's practice environment."

From the Foreword by Sally J. Reel, PhD, RN, FNP, BC, FAAN, FAANP
University of Arizona College of Nursing

This appears to be the first book that focuses on the philosophy of science and its application to practice doctorates. The authors assume readers may not have a formal background in the philosophy of science, and write in a conversational tone with a minimum of difficult terminology. They discuss the current state of DNP education in a way that can foster discourse and debate." Score: 97, 5 Stars. --Doody's Medical Reviews

Tailored for both DNP and PhD doctoral nursing programs, this text is the first to focus on philosophy of science applications to the discipline of nursing. The authors, a philosopher and a nurse-scholar who co-teach the course upon which this volume is based, address a growing need for increased philosophy of science content in evolving DNP programs, as well as practice-oriented research considerations for this discipline.

The volume presents a creative use of the social, political, and historical content in which nursing has evolved. As a whole, this extremely important text reassures the student of the fluid and palpable connections between philosophy of science and nursing science and practice.

• Explores the concept of nursing as a practice profession and assesses how much philosophy of science is needed for doctoral nursing students.
• Examines the practical application of the philosophy of science to both DNP and PhD students.
• Addresses the basic principles and concepts of the philosophy of science and their practical application for contemporary practice inquiry.
• Provides an overview of the century-long path to the development of nursing science that is an essential "bridge" to the philosophy of science content and serves as a "next step" towards building a nursing epistemology
• Reinforces important connections between the philosophy of science to nursing science and nursing practice.

Michael D. Dahnke, PhD, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Health & Society and Doctoral Nursing Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia. Dr. Dahnke's PhD is in Philosophy (2002). His areas of specialty include Philosophy of Science, Ethics, Aesthetics, Philosophy of Film, and Contemporary Continental Philosophy. He has taught a wide range of philosophy and ethics courses, including: Health Care Ethics, Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care, Moral Philosophy, and Health & Vulnerable Populations. Dr. Dahnke has taught NURS 700: Philosophy of Natural & Social Science: Foundations for Inquiry into the Discipline of Nursing in Drexel University's DrNP program for 6 years, since the inception of the course. He has developed and revised this course and has a great appreciation for the kinds of concepts and principles that are particularly germane to the critical thinking development of a doctoral nursing student. He is the author of Film, Art, and Filmart: An Introduction to Aesthetics through Film (Univ Press of America/2007), a chapter in Lachman, Applied Ethics in Nursing (LWW/2005) and 'The Role of the ANA Code of Ethics in Ethical Decision Making' in the journal Holistic Nursing Practice (2009). He recently presented at the 2008 International Nursing Ethics Conference at Yale University and at the 2009 DNP Conference at Hilton Head, SC. His work is becoming increasingly visible in scholarly nursing circles.

H. Michael Dreher, PhD, RN, is Associate Professor with Tenure and Chair, Doctoral Nursing Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia (appointed 2004). Dr. Dreher is a dynamic leader, innovator, and educator. He has led Drexel to the forefront of doctoral nursing education and spear-headed the Drexel DNP Conferences on DNP Education in Annapolis in 2007 and in Hilton Head Island, SC in 2009 (the 3rd conference is scheduled for spring 2011). He established the first mandatory doctoral study abroad program in nursing (UK/2007). His clinical nursing experience (1984 - 2000) has focused primarily on Adult Health/Coronary Care/Home Care of Cardiac Patients and completed a postdoc in sleep and respiratory neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania (2001-2003). He has participated in the Harvard Macy Institute Program for Leading Innovation in Healthcare & Education (Harvard Business School/Medical School - 2007) and established the first MSN in Innovation (2007). Dr. Dreher has published >70 journal articles and has been PI or Co-PI on > 20 funded projects. His current research focus is in co-morbid insomnia in women with HIV infection and in expanding his Model of Practice Knowledge Development. Dr. Dreher conceived and has taught the NURS 716: The Structure of Scientific Knowledge in Nursing to Drexel doctor of nursing practice students for several years and is co-author on another forthcoming text from Springer (1/2011) on Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice with Dr. Mary Ellen Smith Glasgow.