[Nursing science in the German speaking countries--a position statement].
Based on the definition of the terms "nursing" and "science" nursing science is defined as "the scientific study of situations in which people care for themselves or others". A nursing theory is developed by means of nursing research. The knowledge derived from nursing science is related to nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes. Study courses and research programmes with main focus on nursing science are required for the development of nursing science. In German-speaking areas study programmes of nursing management and nursing education are frequently referred to as programmes of nursing science, although their priorities are significantly different. The main focus of both theory and research is rather put on the reference sciences of nursing science than on the actual contents of nursing science. This is quite similar to nursing research. In Germany and Austria as well in Switzerland study courses of nursing science and doctorate programmes are required that put their main emphasis on nursing knowledge. The current stage of development of nursing science has to be critically reviewed to that effect.
Dassen
Theo
T
Institut für Medizin-/Pflegepädagogik und Pflegewissenschaft, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin. theo.dassen@charite.de
Kottner
Jan
J
D001317:Austria; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012586:Science / Q000193:education*; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000193:education*; D013557:Switzerland