Nursing Science and the SPace Age

Martha E. Rogers, RN;ScD; FAAN.

This article presents the basic elements of Rogers' science of unitary human beinE. It defines science, explicates nursing as a science and an art, addresses the meaning of the nrinciples of homeodynamics, and discusses the building blocks of these principles. Several lfreorib arising from the science of unitary human beingp are elaborated' and noninvasive therapeutic modalitie are discussed as part of nursing practice.

Humankind is on the threshold of

a new cosmology transcending an earthbound pas. In less than a decade the 2lscennry will arrive, accompnied by many manifestations of accelerating change. Futurists prophecy multiple scenarios, often in conflict with one another. Genetic engineering engenders a mechanistic explanation of life and spawns ethical issues that far exceed Huxley's Q932) Brave NewlYorld. Economics, education, hcalth, world affairs, Iifestyles, as well as robots, compulers, environment, and spaCe travel arejust a. few of the areas undcrgoing scrutiny. Interplanetary and intergalactic communicatiirn with intclligent

futrlre. Asuonauts, the precursors of spacekind, portend an outward emigration by Homo sapiens and, what is more, their transcendence by Homo spatialis. This transcendence will be an evolutionary, not. an adaptiveprocess.
Planet ear0r is inFgral with

tlp

life beyond the present purview portends new meanings fon citizenship in a spaceencompassing world society. These new worldviews also take into account the
extraterrestrial. The science of unitary human beings encompasses this human advent
intro outer space.

larger world of human reality. Thus, the qpace future will not consist of how to use planetary knowledge and skills in qpace, but an elaboration ofa new worldview in which new knowledge and modaliries raise new questions, provide new answers, and signify different evolutionary norms. According to Robinson and White (1986), Homo spatialis will ranscend Homo sapiens in approximately two generations of space living (about 50 yean). Particulate phenomena such as physiological norms are already inade4uate forjudging the parameters of humankind in space. Even more, the so-called pathology on earth today may signify health for the
space-bound.

synthesis in which ryinoffs from space exploration mar* plarct earth's fuuue. Should all of this sem impossible, one need only recall that in February 1957, Lee DeForest, father of modem elecronics, stated: '"Toplace a man in a multisnge rocket and propel him inlo the controlling gravitational field of the moon ... will never occur regardless of all future scientihc endeavors'He compared these proposals o the wildest dreams of Jules Veme (Friedman, D89). DeForest made ttris statement just 12 years before the Apollo moon landing.

A New Worldview for Nursing

Nrrsing's uansition from prescience to science has also accelerated, but it must become explicit if nurses are to provide knowledgeable innovative services in a space-bound world society. The explication of an organized body of abstract krowledge specific to nrusing is indispensable. The need for such a body of knowledge can be identified in an escalation of science and technology coordinate with public demands for health services of anahre, andin an amount, scarcely envisioned by either the consumers or providers. A new worldview compatible with the most progressive knowledge available (Lauden,1977) has become a necessary prelude o studying human

Today's astronauts are envoys !o the human space-directed Key words: Nursing Science, Rogers'

tramework

Received April l, 1991 Accepted July 22, 1991 rP,rofessor.

Emerita. Ncw New York, Ny

york Univcrsity,

The author acknowledges with apprcciarion ne assistance of E. A. M. Barrett in preparation of this manuscript. Nuning Science Ouanerlv o 1992 Chestnut Aouse fublications

Homo spatialis looms on the horizon as moon villages, space towns, and Martian communities foretell a new world. Moon-mining and gravity-free manufacturing in space are anticipated within this century. Galactic grocery stores, educational centen, health services, and recreational opportunities are each inevitable inclusions in a spacebound world society. Increasing space travel capabilities are already manifest in many countries; a new oneness attEnds planet earlh's integration into the space world, a new

healtlr and !o determining modalities its promotion both on this planet and in outer space. The science ofnrnsing is

fq

Nursing Science

Nwsing Science Quarterly, 5:1,

Spring n

from thc SAGE Social Scicnce Collcctions. All Rights Rcscrucd.

at Bobst Lihary, New Yod Universdy on July 13, 2012

rooted in this nr:w worldv. ew, a pandimensional vie* of people and their

world-

Traditionally nursing's goals have

hlh the sick and the well, and the consideration of environmental factms has also been integral to nursing's effors. Education and practice in nursing have been directed toward promotion of health without intemrp tion. The recognition ofpeople as
errcompassed

disinct from their parts

has characterized nursing from lhe time of Florence f.Iightingale to the present. The inroduction of systems

theories several decades ago set in motion new ways of perceiving people and their world. Since then, science and technology have escalated. The explo-

unity, and itprovides a way of perceiving people and their environmenL The science of unitary human beings has not derived from one or more of the basic sciences. Neitlrer has it come out of a vacuum. Itflows instead in novel ways from a multiplicity of knowledge, from many sources, to create akaleidoscope of potentialities. In u.rm, fundamental concepts are identified and significant terms are defined congruent with the evolving system. A humane and optimistic view of life's potentials grows as a new reality appean. Then, people's capacity to participate lnowingly in the process ofchange is postulated.
Since nursing is a leamed Profession, it is both a science and an art. The uniqueness ofnursing, like that ofother sciences, lies in tlre phenomenon cenfal to its focus. For nurses,,that foctls consiss of a long established concern with people and the world they live in. It is the natural forerunner of an organized, abstract system encompassing people
and their environmenfs. The

anived at by scientihc research and logicat analysis. This knowledge providesa means of describingand explaining the phenomena of concern.

A science can also have more than one

pamdigm or ab$ract sy$em, but the phenomena ofconcem remain con$anL A worldview is aparadigm ftrom which one can derive principles and theories that may guide practice. Morc specifically, however, nu$ing is posulated to
be a basic science. Surely, this science does not come out of a vacuum. Neither does it derive from otler basic or applied sciences, nor is it a summation of knowledge drawn from other fields. Nursing, instead, consiss of its own unique irreducible mix. Since science is open-ended and change is continuous, new lnowledge brings new insights. Thus, the development of a science of unitary human beings is a never-ending p'rocess This abstract system first presented some years ago has continued o gain subslance. Concomitantly, eady enors have undergone correction, deluritions have been revised for greater clarity and accuacy, and updating ofcontent is ongoing. Basic theoretical rcsearch, then, continues !o be essential for tbe ongoing development of ttris field of stxdy. Both basic and applied research are necessary o nuning's future; basic research provides new knowledge while applied research tests the new knowledge alieady available. Multiple methodologies that may be used in the pursuit of the new lnowledge include quantitative and qualitative methods and encompass philosophic, descriptive, and other approaches. The application of the science of unitary human beings to nursing, from a holistic worldview, also demands new trools and new metlnds. Moreover, it is only through research ttrat the theoretically sound foundation can continue to evolve. Hisorically the term "nursing" has been used as a verb signifying "to do," rather than as a norm meaning know." When nursing is identified as a science the term "nursing" becomes a

ration of space has revised old views,

and thus new lnowledge has merged with new ways of thinking. Nothing less than a second indusrial revolution has been initiated, far more dramatic in is implications and potentials than the frstThe pressing need to study people in ways that would enhance their humanness has coordinated

irreiucible,

with fte acceler-

ating technological advances and forced a search for new models. A major hindrance to the evolutron ofviable models, however, was noted by Capra 0982) when he wrote about the difficulty encountered while u-ying o apply the concepts of an outdated worldview o a reality that could no longer be understood in terms of ftese concepts. The science of nuning was arrived at by the creative synthesis of facs and
ideas and is an emergent, a new producl These principles and theories were derived from the absract system and were tested in the ordinary world. The findings of this research have accumulated and changed commensurate with the new knowledge. A science is openended. The elaboration of a science emerges out of scholarly research. Thus, the findings of research are fed back into the system, whereby the system undergoes continuous alteration, revision, and change. A science then, exists only in its entirety, it bespeaks wholenesg and

indivisible nature of individuals is different from the sum of theirpars. Furlhermore, the integrality of people and their environments coordinates
a pandimensional universe of open systems, points to a new paradigm, and initiates tlre identity of nursing as a science. The purpose of nurses is to promote health and well-being for all persons wherever they are. The art of nursing, then, is tie creative use of the

with

science of nursing for human betterment A theoretically sound foundation that gives identiry b nursing as a science
and an art requires an organized abstract

system from which o derive unifying principles and hypothetical generalizations. Through basic and applied research, theories are tested, new understandings emerge, and new questions
arise. As a result, description and

explanation take on new meanings, and a subsuntive body of*nowledge qpecific to nursing takes form.

"o

A science may be defined as an organized body of absract knowledge

Nuning Science Quarterly, 5:1, Spring

Nursing Science

Downlded fmm

at

Bdst LibEry,

New

Ysk

UnNersity on July 13, 2012

abstract nour siSrufying a "body of theories Consequently, lnowledge." uniurY of scierrce a from deriving human beings are specihc to nursing, iust as theories duiving from biology Le specific ro biotogical phenomena' theoies deriving from sociology are specihc to sociological phenomena, and thmries of physics are speciFrc n the physical world. The study of nursing is not &e study of tre biological world any more than the study of biology is the study of ihe physical world. Further, the study of nuning is not the study of nurses and what tlrey do any more than biology is rhe sudy of biologiss and what they do.

of the term holistic, generally signifying

a summation of parts, whether few

or

definedspecifically to the systam, is intrprcted in its ganeral language

meaning (sec Tabte

many. The unitary nature of envfuonment is equally irreducible. The concept of field provides a means of perceiving people and their respective environments as ineducible wholes.

l).

Theory concerning a universe of

open syslems has been gining srppct for three quarters of a cenury. Since the

The Science of Unitary Human Beings

The significant postulates fundamental to fte science of unitary human beings include energy fields, openness, pattem, and pandimensionality. The development ofa science portends the emerlence of abstract concepts and a conesponding language of specihcity. Scientific language evolves out of the general language. Additionally, terms qpecific to the system Ee defined for clarity, precision, and communication so that rigorous research can be pursued and replicated. Terminology, except that

Nursing instead, is the study of unitary, irniucible, indivisible human and environmental fields: people and their world. The complexity of investigatory
methodology is not a subsutute for subshntive content in any field. Downs notes "... our research efforts are replete with sophisticated methods applied to unsophisticated content" (Downs, 1988, p.20). The education ofnurses gains its

introduction of 0n ftoory ofreluivity, of quanum themy, andof pobability. ttrc premiling absolutism, already shaken by evolutionary theory, has received a critical blow. By the l90s Selye had proposed adapation, and by the 1930s von Benalanffy infroduced dr idea of negative entropy Eqgen, 1970). Soon after Cannon advarced the idca of homeostasis Space exploation began in the 1950s, and by the 1960s some physiologiss suggested replacing tle term homeoshsis with the term homee kinesis. As this new knowledge escalated, the traditional meanings of homeosasis, steady-state, adaptatidl, and equilibrium were no longer tnable. The closd-system, entropic model of

Table 1 Key Dellnitlons Speclflc to the Sclence of Nurslng

Energy Field: The fundamental unit of the living and the nonliving. Field is a unifying concepl Energy signifies the dynamic nature of the field" A field is in continuous motion and is infinite.
The djstinguishing characteristic perceived as a single wave.

identity by the transmission of nuning's body of theoretical lnowledge. The practice ofnurses, thercfore, is lhe creative use of tlis knowledge in human service. Research methods are empty without substance m study. Thus, research in nursing specihes a body

of

lnowledge specific to nuning, and research in other fields is not a substitute. The uniqueness of nursing, like that of any ofrer science, lies in the pheno.
menon central to is purpose; people and their worlds in a pandimensional universe are nursing's phenomcna of concern. The ineducible nature of

Pattern: Pandimensional:*

ofan

energ5r

field

A non-linear domain without spatial

attributes.

temporal

Unitary Human Being:

(Human field)

An ineducible, indivisible, pandimensional

energy field identified by pauem and manifesting characteristics that are specihc o the whole and which cannot be prcdicted from knowledge of fre parts.

individuals as energy fields, differcnt from the sum of their parts and integral with their respective environmenhl
fields, differentiates nursing from orher
scrcnces and identifies nursing's focus.

Environment:
@nvironmental field)

An irrcducible, pandimensiorul energy field identitred by pattem and integral with the human

field. *Formerly titled four-dimensional and multidimensional.

Ropdnted with permission trom the National League lor Nuniing, yisirns otporlo.s'saananescd nurvi.rg, KX)o, p.9. Update 1991.

unikry human beings is not to be confused with the cunent popular usage

to be irreducible wholes.-A, whole cannot be understood when it is reduced to its paniculars. The use of the term

Uniury human beings are specified

Nursing Science

Nursing Science Quarterly, 5:1, Spring

29

hnlodd

frcm

at

8&sl Libry.

New

Yd

Unive6ity on July 13, 2012

Table 2 Some Dlflerenoes Between Older and Newer Worldvlews

mation of biological, physical, social, and psychological frelds. This is not a denial of the importarrce of lmowledge from otherfields. Ratltr, itis to make
clear that human and environrnental fields have their own identity and are

cellheuy
entropic universe threedimensional
homeostasis persory'environmenc dichotomous
rcausatiorL-

field theory
negenuopic universe

not to be confi$ed with pars. Human and environmental fields are imitrible and indivisible. Whatmay be quite valid

pndimensional
homeodynamics persory'environmenL

inte$al

single and multiple

mutual process mutual process

open systems

a'lrptation
closed systems

dynamic equilibrium waking: basic sate being

hitial dewlopment
1968;

innovative growing diversity waking: an evolutionary emergent becoming

tpdat

1991.

in describing biological phenomena does not &scribe unitary human beings, any more than describing a molecule tells you about laughter. A science of unitary humanbeings is equally as applicable to groups as it is o individuals. The group energy field to be considered is identified. It may be a family, a social group, or a community, a crowd or some other combination. Regardless of the group identifie4 tlre group field is ineducible andindivisible. The group field is integral with its own environmental field. The environmental field is unique to any given grorry field. The principles of homeodynamics
postulate the nauue of group field change just as they postulate the nanre ofindividual field change. They arc

the universe began 3o be questioned and evidence has continued to accumulate in support ofa universe of open systems
(see Table 2).

mented. Holistic new worldviews are being proposed by such persons as Botrm (1980), Capra 0982), Sheldrake (Weber, Bohm, & Sheldrake, 1986), and Weber 0980. In addition, Rogers' work focuses on developing a pandimensional worldview by proposing a science of

In a universe of orpen systems, causality is not an option. Energy fields are open, not a little bit or sometimes, but continuously. A universe of opcn systems explains the infinite nature ofenergy fields, how the human and environmental fields are integral with one another, and &at causality is invalid. Change, tlren, is continuously innovative and creative. Moreover, association does not mean causality. New worldviews abound. Synthesis and holism are predominant among ttrese views. Lovelock Q988) proposed a scientific synthesis in harmony with the Greek conception of the earth as a living whole, as Gaia. Friller
(1981) had argued tfrat earth is a spaceship, and Kenton (1990) emphasizes the fallacy of depending on wellmeaning actions and good intentions while people continue lo operate with a paradigm that views reality asfrag-

unitary, ineducible human beings that is coordinate with a worldview that

includes outer qpace. Witiin this pandimensional view, energy helds are postulated to constitute the fundamental unit of both the living and the nonliving. Field, then, is a unifying concept and energy signihes tIe dynamic nature of the field. Energy

fields are infinite and pandimensional; they are in continuous motion. Two energy fields are identified: the human field and the environmental field. Specifically, human beings and the environment. are energy fields; they do not lave energy fields. Moreover, human and environmental fields are not biological helds, physical helds, social fields, or psychological fields. Nor are human and environmental lields a sum-

equally relevant forHomo sapiens, Homo spatialis, and beyond. Furthermore, these principles have validity only within the context of the science of uniuly human beings, their meaning has specilicity within their defrnitions, and ogether they postulate the naturc and direction of change. Pattern is a key postulate in this system (see Table 3). It is defined as the distinguishing characteristic of an energy field perceived as a single wave. Pattem is an abstraction, its nahro changes continuously, and it gives identity lo the field. Moreover, each human field pattem is unique and is integral with is own unique environmental field pattern. In fact, the term "pattern" is used only Eo refer to an energy field. The characteristics of unitary human beings are qpecific o unitary human beings. Pattern is not directly observable. However, manifestations of field paueming are observable events in thereal world- They are

30

Nursing Science Quarterly, 5:1, Spring

Nursing Science

Downloded from

at Bobst

Likry. NewYd UniveEtyon July 13,2012

Table 3

Prlnclples ot Homeodynamics
Principle of Resonancy: Continuous change from lower to higher frequency wave patterns in human and environmenal fields.

Aq

Ferguson 0980) wote in lrcr bo* frE wrian C o nspirrc, y that "synthesis and pattern seeing are $rvi\al skills of the 2lst Century.' Ferguson's cotnment is cerainly apropos o the scierre of unitary human beingS. Pafern reveals itself through is manifesutions These manifestations are

PrincipleofHelicy:
Principle of

Continuous,innovative,unpredictable, increasing diversity of human and environmental field pattems. Continuous mutual human field and environmental

continrculy

Integrality:

field process.
Reprinbd wih ptmission trom he Nalional League br Nursing, Wions ol fugeo'scien@-based

nusiEr,

p$, p.8.

Table 4 Manifestatlons ol Fleld Patterning in Unltary Human Beings

Tlre evolution of unirary human beings is a dynamic, irroducible, nonlinearprocess characterized by increasing divenity ofenergy field pareming. lvlanifestations of pauerning emerge out of the humary'environment field muoul process and are continuously innovative. Pasem is an absraction that reveals itself tluough its manifestations. The nature of unitary field patteming is unpredictable and creadva Change is rplative and increasingly diverse. Some manifestations of relative divenity in field patteming are noted below.
lesser diversity

innovative while tlre evolution of life and non-life is a dynamic, inedwible, non-linear process characterized by increasing complexification of mergy field paaerning. The nature ofchange is unpredictable and increasingly diverse. The rhytlrms and motion that "seern continuous' refer lo a wave frequency so rapid that the observer perceives it as a single, unbroken evenl Not only is field pauern diversity relative for any given individual, but there is also a marked increase in diversity between individuals. The implications of this for increased individnqlizAtion of nursing
services are

explicil

PandimensionalitY
A universe of oPen systems underwrites the growing diversity of people and their environmens. Pandimensionality characterizes the.se human and environmental fields and all rcality is
postulated to be pandimensional. Within this postulate tlre relative nanue of change becomes explicil The use of the term "pandimensional" to replace the terms "four dimensional" and "multidimensional" does not rcpresent any change in dehnition. Orrc does not move into or become pandimensional. Rather, this is a way of perceiving reality. Efforts to select words best suited to portray one's thoughts are at best difficult bcause words are often inadequate o fully communicate the meaning of a particular posnrlate. One useftrl analogy of pandimensionality,

greater diversity shorter

longer

rhytlms

rhythms

seems continuous seems continuous

slower motion
time

faster motion

experienced

time experienced
as faster

timelessness

as

slower

pragmatic longer sleeping

imaginative longer waking

visionary
beyond waking

Reprinbd wifi permission lrorn The Nalional League lor Nurdr6, Visions of Rogers' sciene$ased

nrsltg, 199, p.9.

postulated to emerge out of tlre humanenvironment field mutual process (see Table 4). Change is continuous, relative, and innovative. The increasing divenity of field parerning characterizes this process of change. Individual differences serve

uniqueness. The transition from longer sleeping, o longer waking, to beyond waking is highly variable benveen

only o point up the significance of this relative diversiry. For example, changing rhythmicitjes possess indiVidual

individuals. Moreover, further diversity is manifested in socalled "day people" and "night people" as well as in other examples of rhythmical diversity. Field pattern has been a cenml idea in this system from is inception over 25 years ago. It is interesting to nole that

however, can be found in Abbot's Q952) Flatland. Here, the term pandimensional provides foran infinite domain witlrout limir It best exprcsses the idea of a unitary whole, and it is defined as a nonlinear domain without

Nursing Science

Nursing Science Quarterly, 5:1, Spring

3t

Downloaded from

at Bobg Library. New

Yd

University on July 13, 2012

spatial or temporal attributes The abstract system exists as

an inedrrcible whole; principles and

t ther events. The higher frequency wave growing divenity 1 atlems manifesting lortend new nonns o coordinate with

process. Aging evolves from concqtion through the dying process The aging of
a unimry humur Freld is

rnt a running

theories derive from this irreducible whole. The nature ofchange fmds expression in the principles of homeodynamics. New lnowledge is conri-

nis accelerating change. I-abels of pathology that are based on old norms rnay generate hypochondriasis and iarogenesis in patients Normal means
average. Normal (average) blood

down. Rather, fieldpauerrs become increasingly diverse as olderpeqle need

less sleep, and sleepwake ftequerrchs

buting continuously o revisions of thinking. A significant change in one word in the principle of helicy occuned. Interestingly enough this change from probability o unpredictability is consistent with the abstract system, and new tnobteOge supports it Some clarification is in order. The reader is familiar

presure readings in all age groups are notably higher today tltan they were a
few decades ago. Not only has the average waking period lengthened,

become more varied" I$gha fiequelry pattems give meaning to multiplercpats of time perceived as racmg. The pandimensional nature of reality is of furtherrelevance. A non-

but

sleep/wake continuities are increasingly

diverse. Interestingly, gifted children and the

secalled hyperactive not un-

with the cunently accepted ransition

from absolutism o probabiliry. The literature now points up that unpredictability ranscends probabiliry. Mallove 0989) in the May/June 1989 issue of Thz Planetary Report writes, "To find in the late ?frth Century that unpredicubility plays a significant role in the orderly celestial arena is not only a surprising development but a revolutionary one in the hisory of science" (p. l2). Moreover, Peterson (1989) in the July 15, 1989, issue of .Screace Neps drscussed further the unpredictability of self-organizing

commonly manifest similar behaviors. It would seem morc reasonable, then, o hypothesize that hyperactivity was acceleradng evolution, rather than tn
denigrate rhythmicities that diverge

from outdated norms and erroneous

expechuons. Manifestations of the sPeeding uP

linear domain points up tlre invalidity of chronological age as abasis fordifferentiating human change. In fact, as evolutionary diversity continues to accelerafe, the range and variety of differerces benpeen individuals also increase; the more diverse fieldpattenrs evolve more rapidly ttran the less diverse ones. Populations deff socalled normal curves as individual differences multiplY.

ol human field rhythms are coordinate

with higher frequency environmental field pattems. Humans and their environmenB evolve and change ogether.
Therefore, radial.ing increments of widely diverse frequencies are common household accompanimens of everyday

In spite of this, the emergerrce of paranormal phenomena as valid subjects for serious scientific research has been
handicapped by a paucity of viable theories o explain these events. The nature of tlre science of unitary human beings provides a framework to examine such theories. hndimensional rcality as conceptualized is a facor in deriving testable hypotheses. The ability to explain precognition, deja vu, and clairvoyarrce becomes a

critical systems.
The deletion of probability from the abstract system underlying the science of unitary human beings and the addition of unpredicubility sren gthen consistency and support the nature ofchange proposed in the principles of homeodynamics. This continuous change emerges out of nonequilibrium and exhibits punctualism not gradualism. In

life. Environmental motion has quickened, while atmosphcric and cosmo-

logical complexity continue t0 grow. Accelcrating change characterized by higher wave frequency held pattems might bc expccted o manifest iself in new norms with a wider range of distribution of differences among individuals. The doomsayers who claim that pcople are desroying hemselves are in enor. On the contrary, there is population explosion, increascd longevity, escalating levels olscience and technology, the development of space communities, and multiple other evidences of human potential in the process of actualization. With increased longevity, there are

addition, change is accelerating. Chaos theory, too, is transforming the way we think of the world (Crum, 1989; Peterson, 1989; Percival, 198* Stewart, 1989).

rational process in pandimensional human and environmental fields. Within this science such occurrences become "normal" rather than "paranormal.' The implications for creative health services under these conditions are notable. As a result, altemative forms of healing have become increasingly popular and some forms are surprisingly effective. Meditative modalities, for example, beqpeak "beyond waking" manifestations, and
the use of therapeutic ouch has been documented as efficacious. Theories continue to be derived from tlris science. As these theories are tested some will be supported; *hers will not. Replication and testing of theories by research metlrods will con'

Theories in the Science of Unitary Human Beings

A theory ofaccelerating evolution deriving from the science ofunitary human beings puts in different perqpective today's rapidly changing norms in blood pressure levels, children's behavior, longer waking periods, and

growing numben ofolder penons. And

contrary to a static view engendered by a closed system model of the universe that postulates aging to be a decline, the science of uniury human beings postulates aging !o be a continuously creative

tribute to one's level of confidence in a given theory. Thus, everyday events,

4,,

Nursing Science Quanerly,

5: I ,

Spring

Nursing Scielrce

at B&st L

bary

New

Yo( Ulrversty

on

July'3,

2012

examind ttrough this new worldview, will provide a fresh perspective, raise new questions, and allow new explanations.
Resarch results from studies

bility, curiosity, imagination, courage,

risk taking, compassion, and above all, an excellent sense of humor. The science of uniury human beings sparls new modalities that evolve as life evolves from earth to qpace and beyond. Spinoffs from qpace study and ravel can lead to more effective services for Homo sapiens on planet earth. A positive attitude toward change will be generated while vision and imagination grow. The purpose of nursing is to promote human bctterment wherever people are, on planet earth or in ouler ryace. As divenity increases, so 1,oo will individualization of services. How can nurses best demonstrate imagination and ingenuity in helping people design
ways to fulfill 0reir differcntrhythmic pattems? One method is to provide community-based health services. Community-based heal0r services must uke precedence over shrinking hospiulbased sick services. Moreover, the term community-based takes on enhanced meaning as it is dehned to include multiple exlratenestrial centers. Supportive services such as hospiuls provide

this new reality (Baneu,1990). The practice of therapeutic ouch, developed by Iftieger 0981), is already in use in many places around this plmer The use

of humor, sound, color, and motion also

continue to undergo inva*igation. Additionally, the concept of urrconditional love is receiving auention. Auiurbs of hope, humor, and upbeat moods have often tjeen documented as beuer therapy han drugs. Imagery and meditative modalities have much to offer as well Continued emphasis on human rights, client decision-making, and noncompliance with ttre raditional rules of thumb are also necessary dimensions of [re new science and art of nursing.

concerned with unitary human beings and their environments support the nature of change postulated in tfre principlas of homeodynamics @aneu, 1990; Malinski, 1986; Sarter, 1988). New tools of measurement have become essential adjuncs o studying questions 0rat arise gut of a worldview quite different from fre prevalent view. The research poentials of this new system are infinite. It is logrcally and scientifically tenable, flexible and open-ended. It is a new rcality and encompasses new ways of thinking, new questions, and new interpretations. It also requires consisl.ency with the system if one is to study ir The practical implications for human betterment are demonstrable.

In addition to this, the noninvasive ttrerapeutic modalities, increasingly emphasized by a range of health care workers, mark the future of nuning practice on this planetand in outer qprce. The outcomes of tlre rcsearch in the
science

ofnursing have been reported in

The Science and Art of Nursing Practice

Seeing the world from this viewpoint requires a new synthesis, a creative leap, and lhe inculcation ofncw attitudes and values. The guiding principles of this science are broad generalizations that require imaginative and innovative

the literature and are now hnding their way ino the practice arena wherever people are @arrea, 1990: Malinski,986;

modalities for their implementation. The science of unitary human beings identifies nursing's uniqueness and significs the potential of nurses to fulflll their saial responsibility in human scrvice. Nursing, *rercfore, is inseparable from the new worldview and the process of change. A new vision ofa world
encompassing far more than planet earth is in the making. The science of nursing emerges out of this space-age worldview. The evidence of diversifying wholeness is substantial, For instance, the pace ofevolution from clans to

oward pathology, not toward health. Although both community agencies and hospitals provide meaningful services, it is the broad community-based health promotion services t}rat provide the umbrella. As a defincd orientation toward hcalth takes placc, fewer and fewer people will need the same typc of sick scrvices lhat currently exisl Nevertheless, nothing in
an orientation

Sarter, 1988). Such research enables one to undersund better the natue of human evolution and its multiple, unpredicable potentialities. Description, explanation, and vision srengthen a nurse's ability practice arcording to the level and scope of preparation and knowledge in the science of nuning. What is more, holistic rends open up new ways ofthinking and

uibes, to city-states, to nation-sLates, to

one planet is accelerating. The futue, as well, is one of growing diversity, of accelerating evolution, and of nonrepcating rhythmicities. As such, it demands new visions, flexi-

this scicnce suggess that humans will be freed from all "disease" and live happily ever afbr. Disease and pathology are value terms applied when *re human field manifests characteristics that may be deemed undesirable. One of today's major health problems is nosophobia, a morbid dread of disease. Autonomous nursing practice directed by nurses holding valid baccalaureate and higher degrees with an uppcr division major in nrusing science

spell new worldviews. Othernew modalities will emerge out of this evolution toward spacekind that will qpark more effective modalities for eartlrkind. Caring is one practice modality getting much attention from nurses today. However, as such, caring does not identify nurses any more tlun it identifies workers from another field. Everyone needs to care; the nature of caring in a given field depends entirely on the body of scientific tnowledge specific o the field. Caring is simply a way of using lnowledge. Nurses care on tlre basis of ways they use *re science of

fie future. Noninvasive therapeutic modalities are emphasized in

is central to

unitary, irreducible human beings. Since today's world is rapidly

Nursing Science

Nursing Science Quarterly, 5:1, Spring

at

Bdsl Libry,

New York Universty on July 13, 2012

becoming an enrepreneurial sociery, and nurses continue to move into is mainstream, a substantive knowledge base in a science of nursing has become indispensable. In addition, there is as
a critical need for mutual respect and valuing of differences between aII lrealth penonnel: betwecn nurses, between health fields, and between the

References
Abbo4 E.A. Q952)" Fbtland.New Yo*: Dover. Barreu, E.A.M. (Ed.) 0990). Vb'lont of Rogers' rcbncc.fuszd anrsi4g. New Yor*: Natimal l,eague for Nuning. Bohm, D. (l9EO). \f holcness and rhe implicatc or&r. Bosron: Routledge & Kegm Peul. Capre, F. 09E2)- Tlu ttrni^g point. Ncw Yo*:
Simon and Schustcr.

l,oveloc*, J. (888). Thc agc

gGab. Ncw Yo*:

Nono, M:linski, V.M. (Ed.) (19E6). Exploration on Martla Rogers' scicncc of uiury hurun
bair3s. Norwalk, CT: Appleton-CcaturyCrofis. Mallovc, E.T. Q9E9, May-Iunc). Thc roler ryrun n &zs. Tlu P latu tary Rc pr4 p. 10-13, Percival, Q9E9). Chrcs: A scicncc for rhc real world Nap Scian bt, P,3, 4247.

well

fields of science. Human beings are on the thrcshold of a fantastic and unimagined future. In light of tiris, the potential for human

Crum, R. 0989). Why Iohnny kills. New York U niw,rcity M agazlu, 4 Q), 34.
Downs, F. (1988). Nuning researdr: Stateof-ther;rt. Joutnal oJ thc New York State Nwses Ferguson, M. 09E0). Thc aquarian conspiracy.

Peterson,

I. 09t9, July). Digging into rand.

N cvts', 136, 40.

S c b.nce

Robinscq G.S. & Whit , H-M. 0980. Ellvry of nunkind. Washingron, D.C.: Smirhronien
Instirutc Prcss,

Axelation,19 Q),Zn.

[,c

Angeles: Ttrdrer,

sirvice is greater 0ran it has ever been before, Many nurses have been moving apace to assure that ttrere will be a sub stantive body of theoretical tnowledge specific to nursing lo underwrite the practice ofnursing. The science of unitary human beings portends a new
world in space, the next frontier.

Friedman, S.T. 09E9). Who bclievcs in UFO's? Intcrurio,td AFO Reporur, H Q),6-10. Fuller, R.B. Q98l). Critical ptlr. Ncw York: Stlv{rrtin's Press. Huxley, A. Q932). Brave new world. New York: Modcm Library. Kcntm, L (1990). Member fonrm . Noetic Scicrces Bdletin,5 Q),6. Krieger, D. Q98l). Fouttutbnt for lolistk lulth nwsing practiccs: The ,rctuissancc nwsc.
Philadelphia: Lippincoc

E (1970). An iatductio^ to tlu th.orctical hsis $nusiag. Phih&lphh: Devi!. Saner, B. Q9E8). Tllc strcam ol bcaniag : A sndy
Rogers, M.

of

Martlu Rogers' thcory. Ncw York:

National l-eagrrc for Nursing. Stewart, I. (1989). Docs God play dicc?:

mthcmtics of chaos. Cembridge, MA:

Tht
.

BrasilBlackwell,Inc.

W"b... R. (Fi.).

(1986). Dialogu with scbntisr ard sages: The searchfor uaity. Ncw Yo*: Routledgc & Kcgm Paul.

l:uden, L. (1977)- Progress and its problerc: Toward, a theory of scientific growth.
Berteley: Univmiry of Califomia Prcss.

Weber, R., Bohm, D., & Shcldrakc, R. 0986). Mancr rs r mening ficld" In R Wcbcr @d.), Dialogu with scicntiss and sages: Thc search for utry (pp. 105-D3). Ncw Yort: Roudcdge & Kegm Peul.

Peplau's Book Now Available

I nterp ersonal Relations in Nursing,
by Hildegard E. Peplau, RN; EdD, Professor Emerita, Rutgers University, has been republished by Macmillan Education Ltd., London. The forward for this 309-page paperback is by Trevor Clay, General Secrerary, The Royal College of Nursing, U.K. To order this book (order no. ISBN 0-333-461 L2-6),
Medic ar #?l,ff Ltd., ",ion Houndsmills Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 2XS, England, (kice is about $9.00 U.S.) "HHtil#'3lT;

Nuning Science Quarterly, 5:1, Spring

Nuning Science

Downldd

fDm

ar Bob$ Library, New

Yo*

UniYers,ty on July 13,2012