Tree of Life in Community Nursing Practices: Curriculum Analysis of Five Universities

Abstract

Objective: To interpret community academic practices based on the analysis of the curricula of nursing programs from five universities located in the Eje Cafetero (Coffeee Region), Colombia 2021-2022. Method: Qualitative hermeneutic study with a documentary review of curricular elements in nursing programs related to community practices. The document analysis was conducted using a spiral process of preconceived interpretation. The curricular components were examined to gain insight and depict them within the metaphorical framework of the tree of life. Results: From the analysis, an emerging pattern is identified, represented through the metaphor of the tree of life: “the being” (the roots), where the student’s lived experience is essential for comprehensive learning for self and others’ care; “the knowledge” (the trunk), where research and knowledge connect with “the reflective practice” (the branches), which emerge in the context of care in various settings through collaborative and socio-political work. Conclusions: Community academic practices are developed by considering three key components: “the being” with ethical commitment and critical thinking, “the knowledge” through sociopolitical knowledge and human social development, and “reflective practice,” a result of the skills acquired by students.