Nursing ideology: Identification and legitimation

Abstract

Nursing is undergoing radical change and with this has come the emergence of a 'new' nursing. However, in struggling to define ourselves, it is imperative that we identify a nursing ideology. Whilst ideology can begin to be clarified within a historical context, the threads of beliefs, values, power, and politics must also be respected. In attempting to explore the ideology of nursing, this paper considers the pluralistic nature of nursing and the modes of operation utilised in legitimizing its ideology. In particular, a uniquely nursing strategy has been identified - that of patientization. Nursing has more than one ideology and whilst all may be criticized, self-knowledge is seen as imperative in enhancing any future this occupation might have.