Nurse scholars have claimed that nursing is both a discipline and a profession. In order to understand these claims, we must first know what it means for nursing to have a “unique body of knowledge.” If we assume that nursing does, indeed, possess a unique body of knowledge, we can claim that nursing is a “basic science” rather than an “applied science.” Despite these claims, debate continues about nursing as discipline, profession, and science. Is nursing a discipline? A profession? Is nursing a basic science and/or applied science? In your initial post, state what you think about nursing as discipline, profession, and science. Explore the literature beyond that assigned to you for this week’s readings to help you formulate your position. You should include the following:
What is a discipline? What is a profession? What’s the difference? What are examples of each?
Does nursing fit the criteria for a “discipline” and “profession”?
What is a “basic science”? What is an “applied science”? What’s the difference?
Is nursing a “basic” or “applied” science?
