CQUniversity
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Newton’s cradle : a metaphor to consider the flexibility, resistance and direction of nursing's future

journal contribution
posted on 2017-12-06, 00:00 authored by Margaret McallisterMargaret Mcallister, Wendy Madsen, C Holmes
Nursing faces an uncertain future as technological developments, structural changes within health systems, and rapidly evolving health needs create new and challenging possibilities. This paper draws on the results of a qualitative study undertaken with a range of Queensland nurse leaders to explore their perceptions of these changes. The study re-surfaced, and allows for a re-examination of, four issues that have long created tension within nursing and which continue to have a negative impact on the profession as a whole. These are: professionalisation; preparation of graduates; myths and narratives of nursing; and leadership. We provide a metaphor that imagines all of these tensions operating in dynamic interplay. The image is that of a Newton’s Cradle – a model for energy and momentum. The metaphor allows one to see the wide context of changes affecting nursing and the significance of the interconnections. If tensions within nursing maintain their own integrity through containment, understanding and development, they remain in alignment, and energy is conserved rather than wasted or misdirected. It suggests that with increased awareness and attention paid to internal challenges, and by taking a broad-based approach to systemic improvements, nursing could become more effective, progressive and proactive in shaping its own future.

Funding

Category 2 - Other Public Sector Grants Category

History

Volume

21

Issue

2

Start Page

130

End Page

139

Number of Pages

10

eISSN

1440-1800

ISSN

1320-7881

Location

Stafford, BC

Publisher

John Wiley

Language

en-aus

Peer Reviewed

  • Yes

Open Access

  • No

External Author Affiliations

James Cook University; School of Nursing and Midwifery (2013- ); TBA Research Institute;

Era Eligible

  • Yes

Journal

Nursing inquiry.