Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore practicing nurses' and nurse researchers' modes of knowing and beliefs regarding the phenomena of nursing in an effort to discern the congruities and incongruities between the two groups of nurses' views. Twenty practicing and 20 research nurses from Midwestern metropolitan areas were interviewed, using a merged qualitative method, regarding their views of knowing and the fundamental phenomena of nursing. In addition, journal article titles from the three most frequently read journals reported by each group of nurses were analyzed. ;There were two major findings: practicing nurses and nurse researchers were more congruent than incongruent in their perspectives about epistemology and ontology of nursing, and the modes of knowing and ontological domains were highly enmeshed constructs, suggesting a blended epistemology and ontology. Nurses in this study did not separate their knowing and being statements from their practice statements, suggesting a further blend of praxis with epistemology and ontology. ;Congruities and incongruities were identified in this study. Congruities included four modes of knowing: the self, experience, other people, and traditional ways. Also congruous were the nurses' descriptions of four ontological domains: the self, caring, knowing, and human beings. Variations in the meanings of these constructs were found, introducing congruous and incongruous perspectives. Nurses also reported that knowing was limited by oneself, each other, the systems in which they worked, and by being human. Despite the limitations to knowing, nurses reported many creative ways to know. ;The incongruities represent areas where differences exist between the two groups of nurses, including the journals they regularly read. Nurses have used these incongruities in their efforts to build practice-research linkages. The congruities represent areas where agreement exists between practicing nurses and nurse researchers. These may provide a solid base upon which to build further linkages between nursing practice and research. Findings suggest that linkage efforts should continue to be made using the incongruities, while also building on the congruities. Findings also suggest that nurses demonstrate oppressed group behaviors, are highly creative, and have much potential for shaping a ideology for nursing that is based upon the perspectives of all nurses