Critical Reflexivity Theory and Practice

The overall intention of the course is to facilitate student curiosity and promote critical reflexivity in relation to nursing practice. Critical reflexivity brings together the skills of critical thinking and reflexivity, and entails three components: first, interrogating our taken-for-granted assumptions that inform our practice; second, reflecting on our social position in relation to knowledge; and third, considering how knowledge is shaped by culture, history, power and politics. Students will engage with theoretical ideas drawn from the humanities and social sciences in order to gain a better understanding of the complexities of care. Theoretical ideas covered in this course are also helpful in showing up how nursing both shapes and is shaped by broader social, historical, political and economic forces, prevailing ideologies, dominant discourses, and social relations of power which have profound effects on our subjectivities and the lived bodies and daily realities of people whom we serve. Thoughtful engagement with the course readings will open up alternative modes of thought which will, in turn, generate productive possibilities for ethical nursing practice.