Praxis in nursing care: A grounded theory study

Objective: The research was carried out in order to put forward a model explaining the concept of praxis in nursing care, its basic elements, affecting factors and results. Method: The constructivist design of grounded theory study, which is one of the qualitative research methods, created by Charmaz, was used in the study. The population of the study consisted of nurses working at Akdeniz University Hospital, Kepez State Hospital and Antalya Training and Research Hospital. Purposive sampling and theoretical sampling method were used in sample selection. Data were collected through individual interviews and observations. Interviews and observations continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously. Initial coding, focused coding and theoretical coding were followed in data analysis. Results: In the study, five main codes, 13 categories and 33 sub-codes were determined based on the data obtained from the participants. In the main code of praxis, the categories of 'praxis as a concept' and 'praxis as a practice' were found. In the main code of the path to praxis, the categories of 'realizing the need for knowledge', 'goal orientation' and 'striving to achieve the good' were identified. The categories of 'personality traits', 'equipment' and 'values' were discovered in the main code of the elements that form the basis for praxis. The categories of 'individual obstacles', 'environmental obstacles' and 'liberating environment' were identified in the main code of factors affecting praxis. The categories of 'self-realization' and 'the happiness of self-existence' were present in the main code of praxis consequences. Conclusion: The conceptual framework, relationship factors and results of praxis in nursing care based on the data were explained according to the "Praxis in Care" model. In line with this model, it was determined that the positive personality traits, experiences and values of individuals constitute the basis of praxis. In addition, it was determined that when the individual's goal-oriented and striving to achieve efforts to reach the good in the actions to be performed by the individual are supported by the appropriate environment, the individual reaches happiness (eudaimonia) by self-realization. Key words: Praxis, nursing, praxis in nursing, grounded theory