The question of knowledge in district nursing Original Research Article

This paper focuses on the development of the experiential knowledge base in district nursing with reference to changes in professional preparation for district nurses and to a research study conducted by the author during the 1970s. The process of conducting the research showed that an exclusive focus on activity fails to capture the range and depth of nursing care in the home. Schönʹs concept of professional artistry is employed as an interpretive framework to consider some of the study findings and with reference to more recent research studies the author concludes that while it has always been central to skilled nursing, professional artistry has remained hidden. The problems confronting academics and practitioners in articulating such knowledge are explored together with the possible consequences of continued failure to address this issue. These difficulties are discussed in the context of the current changes in the National Health Service with particular reference to the introduction of grade mix in community nursing. The paper concludes by arguing that a better understanding of the district nurseʹs knowledge base must be vigorously pursued.