Page 141 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

F r o m ca ra t i v e F a c t o r 6 t o C a r it a s P roC e s s 6
iting, technical, and empirical. Such data-related evidence can be fed
into a computer, but that can result in eliminating the human factor,
the ethical-value factor, and the complex, professional caring process
as parts of a complete, wise clinical experience.
As Martinsen put it (2006:125): “To examine the experience of the
world with which I indubitably communicate is different from account-
ing for a statistical relation or presenting a proof. Different demands
. . . must be made to that which is understood as evident, depending
on what one wants to know about or make apparent.”
In a mature model for incorporating evidence, empirical-technical-
scientific knowledge and informed moral practice come together in
a given moment, drawing upon all of one’s knowledge, experiences,
judgment, wisdom, and skills in that moment. The complexity of the
whole becomes foreground; the evidence and the problem-solving/
nursing process are the background that informs the foreground of
Caritas Nursing.
Martinsen (2006:126) warns us against making an “instrumental-
istic mistake”; that is, giving an instrumental, rational reason a priv-
ileged position as normative for human communication or making
“scientific-technical knowledge into a model for human actions of an
. . . ethical character.” A strictly utilitarian reason cannot be the sole
basis of decision making and use of evidence. She considers doing so a
transgression of the caring ethic and professional responsibility.
Thus, all forms of evidence need to have a voice so no single form
of evidence is excluded at the expense of another. Martinsen (2006)
makes a case for the use of what I think of as authentic dialogue, or
what she notes as equal footing, equal voice, in which all parties have
a conversation to attain evident insights. Such a situation entails facing
an issue or a problem in the highest light, creating freedom between
and among all the parties, all the voices of evidence, even though the
focus and tasks may differ.

Caritas ProCess
A Caritas Process critiques a superficial interpretation of both Nursing
Process and Evidence-Based Practice. A Caritas Process honors the
creative, individualized, caring process that draws upon all ways of

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