Carper’s theory of nursing knowledge was developed by Barbara Carper in 1978. Carper stated that the body of knowledge that support nursing is shown through patterns. The patterns she developed include empiric knowledge, knowledge that is personal, ethical, and aesthetic in nature. The patterns were to help characterize the complex phenomenon utilize by nurses when providing care to patients.

Ethical knowing according to this theory acknowledges the ethical codes of conduct by examining the standard and values that are morally acceptable (Thorne, 2020). It focuses on the moral obligation guiding what needs to be done. It offers a framework that can be followed by nursing in complex situations. Some of the fundamental values that are feature in this pattern include self-respect, accountability, and value for human dignity.

Illustrating Carper’s Nursing Knowledge Theory

Personal knowing focuses on knowing one’s self and others. Carper’s theory argues that by knowing one’s self, then the other can also be known. The main focus of personal knowledge is the encountering, knowing and actualizing of the individual self. It recognizes that quality interpersonal relationships have a significant influence on the development of illness, coping of the illness, and eventually healing. Carper argues that nurses in therapy do not approach patients as objects but keep striving to have actual relationships. When individuals accept to have personal relationships, they can create a sense of freedom in themselves and recognize each person.

Empiric knowledge is the science of nursing, which is expressed through facts, models, theories, and thematic descriptions. Empiric knowing is applied by nurses through performing activities that are supported by theories. It is concerned with questions such as what is this? and how does this work? Esthetic knowing is often described as an art of nursing. It describes the manner in which a nurse can analyze a patient’s needs and act on their behalf. In doing so, nurses take into account the information about patient’s personality and previous experiences to ensure that they provide the most effective care. Through esthetic knowing, nurses get an opportunity to develop critical thinking, clinical judgement, moral reasoning, and professional competence APA