Philosophical Analysis of Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry

The paper discusses the role of pragmatism and critical thinking integration within nursing practices as viewed from a philosophical angle in relation to paradigms, beliefs, and ways to solve problems. This study focuses on scrutinizing knowledge claims, querying presuppositions, and evaluating implications as this form the basis for the developing idea about pragmatic nursing inquiry. An empirical validation is proposed to establish the significance of pragmatic nursing inquiry in fostering teamwork, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice. The study tests quantitative and qualitative theories toward providing excellent patient care, quality education, and improving theory advancement. This paper develops a framework for transforming the way nurses practice through pragmatism and critical thinking.


Introduction
A multi-faceted approach to problem-solving is key in the ever-evolving world of nursing as we know it.Caring for persons with diverse cultural backgrounds and ages requires nurses to use theories from many paradigms in order to inform their decisions (Kim & Sim, 2020).A philosophical paradigm emerging in nursing is pragmatism, promoting critical thinking while allowing for varying points of view.
In their practice, nurses experience complex problems daily and require a systematic approach to tackle them comprehensively.These complexities, however, are not amenable to the prevailing orthodoxies and ideologies.This article explores the philosophical foundations of pragmatism and its implications on fostering critical thinking skills in nursing.It seeks to clarify how pragmatism straddles the real and the ideal, furnishing nurses with the means to navigate the complexity of their practice.
Pragmatists (derived from the philosophical work of Charles S. Pierce and John Dewey, amongst others) offer new angles on abstraction through experience, with concrete reality and abstract concepts playing off each other (Charles Sanders Peirce (Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), 2021).Fundamentally, pragmatism argues in favor of an engaged, perseverant, systematic investigation of what is believed to be true or known (Nowell, 2015).This method encourages nurses to challenge their beliefs, assess success, and make informed decisions.
Critical thinking is at the heart of pragmatism, constituting one of the cornerstones of nursing practice.Through fostering an appreciation of multiple viewpoints, pragmatism nurtures tolerance, respect for varying viewpoints, and collective decision-making, all of which align with the foundational tenets of nursing (Raymond-Seniuk & Profetto-McGrath, 2011).This analysis further takes up the implications of pragmatism for nursing research by stressing the importance of transcending any single ideology or epistemology (with its accompanying assumptions) to develop a richer and deeper understanding of the complexities of the phenomenon.
Investigating the ontological, epistemological, and methodological aspects of pragmatism provides a framework for understanding how pragmatic philosophy can advance analytical thinking skills, patient care, and the future of the nursing profession.Consequently, it adds to the ongoing conversation about using critical thinking and pragmatism in nursing practice.
This paper provides the backdrop for examining the contribution of pragmatism to nursing practice.This paper fills a gap by providing a fuller problem-solving framework in nursing; pragmatism is proposed to address this issue and explains how it can be applied to nursing practice and research.By conducting this research, we seek to illuminate how a pragmatic stance can facilitate better nursing outcomes and thus improve patient care.

Philosophical Underpinnings
Within the world of nursing, where there are countless problems to solve, there's no room for an approach that misses the broader picture.As nurses, we constantly care for people of all ages and backgrounds, and we naturally rely on a vast range of frameworks to navigate all these complexities.Among the paradigms that have found resonance in nursing, pragmatism emerges as a pivotal philosophical framework for understanding and maneuvering through the intricate terrain of nursing practice.

Relevance of Pragmatism to Nursing Practice
Pragmatism, rooted in the visionary work of American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, offers a profound perspective on dissecting the interplay between the concrete and the abstract.This perspective forms the bedrock of pragmatism, a philosophy that resonates deeply with nursing practice (Charles Sanders Peirce (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), 2021).

The Role of John Dewey
Further shaping pragmatism, John Dewey, a prominent scholar, contributed significantly by developing the paradigm of "critical thinking."This philosophy underscores the incorporation of diverse viewpoints into the inquiry process, a dimension that profoundly influences the concept of critical thinking (Brookfield, 2012).This openness to multiple perspectives is pivotal in creating a tolerant and collaborative environment, effectively countering the rigid silos often formed by theory-based methodologies (Jackson, 2015).

Critical Thinking and Inquiry
Critical thinking, as advocated by Dewey, entails an active, continuous, and purposeful exploration of views and professed knowledge involving a meticulous examination of underlying assumptions and implications.This investigative process, often called "inquiry thinking," is central to critical thinking across various disciplines, including nursing (Cam, 2021).

Ontological, Epistemological, and Methodological Perspectives
Ontology concerns itself with existence or reality.Ontologically oriented pragmatists argue that reality is a constantly changing phenomenon.According to pragmatism, truth has been socially constructed based upon the experiences we have gained.Nurses ought to be ready to modify their views and adopt changing understanding about patient's needs and condition in nursing practice.This way, it prompts nurses to look at both health and illness as continuing process that needs constant evaluation and modifications in order to offer optimum care.
Ontologically, pragmatism also supports the view that nursing care ought to be patient centered.It recognizes that every patient has his or her own version of reality, and it advises nurses to acknowledge and accept this fact when caring for them.This leads to more empathetic and compassionate nursing practice.
In epistemology, one question is about how we acquire knowledge and what counts as valid knowledge.Epistemology of pragmatism is premised on the claim that knowledge can only be acquired through the practical experience/action.We value empirical evidence, believing that truth is what works in practice.Nurses should prioritize evidence-based practice and evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions.
Pragmatism advocates for nurses to adopt a multidisciplinary perspective on knowledge.This enables them to incorporate diverse theories, concepts from other disciplines including psychology, sociology and biology to inform their practice.This makes the nurses more open to various sources of knowledge, and consequently they become better critical thinkers.
Methodology encompasses the techniques and ways in which problems are investigated and solved.Pragmatism's methodological approach is one that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability.This approach prompts nurses to adapt their methods and instruments to fit the particular situation and the respective patient.This approach holds that effectiveness is more important than sticking to one procedure.
Pragmatism also promotes a collaborative and respectful working environment in which health care professionals work together.Together with physicians, therapists, and other team members, nurses can come up with an appropriate solution for patient care.Such an approach encourages open communication and shared decision making to ensure more effective and efficient care.
Furthermore, pragmatism helps to promote the values of equality and justice in nursing practice.It recognizes that patient requirements are diverse and suggests personalizing care so that it addresses them.This viewpoint is consistent with Beneficence and Justice in healthcare and ensures that all patients are given care without any prejudice.
A pragmatist approach in nursing practice encompasses a dynamic ontological perspective that values individual experiences, an epistemological perspective grounded in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary knowledge, and a methodological perspective that encourages flexibility, collaboration, and equity.Embracing these perspectives can enhance critical thinking among nurses, leading to more effective and compassionate patient care.

Pragmatism in Nursing Research
In line with the observation by Monti and Tingen (1999), this paper acknowledges the complexity of nursing phenomena and supports the call for pragmatic research in nursing.In managing such intricacy, an approach is needed.Relying too heavily on one paradigm and its accompanying theory leaves no room for appreciating context and determinants (Leddy, 2000).Weaver and Olson (2006) also emphasize the importance of pragmatism in broadening researchers' understanding of various events and fostering complete studies that go further than the boundaries of particular paradigms.

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Flexibility
This paper explores the role of pragmatism in promoting creative thinking and flexibility in nursing practice.It allows nurses to think broadly about possible explanations, using specific paradigms or theories if desired.In this section, I will attempt to illustrate pragmatism's philosophical origins and consequences and its impact on critical thinking in nursing practice.In doing so, the ontological, epistemological, and methodological components are deconstructed to show how pragmatism could significantly impact problem-solving in nursing, which would then benefit patient care.

Theory of Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry
In this part of the paper, we advance a general outline for Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry based on the epistemological stance of Pragmatism and its effect on critical thinking within nursing practice.

Framework for Proactive and Collaborative Research
Pragmatic nursing inquiry provides nurses with an active paradigm for research that welcomes proactiveness, flexibility, and collaboration.With strong foundations based on applying practical knowledge, nurses can effectively deal with the manifold issues that arise in the delivery of patient care.Because they have to deal with individuals with different cultural and situational experiences, nurses benefit greatly from the utility-based principles of using multiple paradigms and theories in practice.This framework supports a multi-dimensional problem-solving approach, understanding that one paradigm or theory cannot account for the complexity and wide variety of healthcare events.

Developing Critical Thinking as a Core Nursing Skill
Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry is based on critical thinking.This idea involves creating critical thinkers by integrating pragmatism into diverse perspectives, truths, and possible resolutions.In this culture, curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration are celebrated as nurses develop relationships among diverse members and are encouraged to engage in questions and ideas that are open and inclusive.This method breaks down theory-based silos and promotes nurses in addressing healthcare challenges with adaptability and an open mind toward innovation.

Context-Sensitive Approach
Context matters for nursing practice, and Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry acknowledges this fact.In this way, a multitude of contextual issues and effects determine healthcare phenomena.Hence, we need an adaptive and context-aware approach.Rather than just 'doing' nursing, nurses are encouraged to probe behind the assumptions underpinning their knowledge claims and critically reflect on the consequences of their actions in particular situations.It could benefit from concrete examples or case studies demonstrating the use of this context-sensitive approach.

Continuous Learning and Knowledge Evolution
Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry emphasizes that nursing knowledge and research are dynamic entities.It realizes that learning and understanding come from time through experience and reflection.Nurses are urged to continually learn new things and update their knowledge to align with the changing tides of social reality and the evolving healthcare landscape.

Mixed-Methods Research and Data Collection
This paradigm also affects nursing research methodologies and instrument design.Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry promotes mixed-methods research, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to develop a broader perspective on nursing phenomena.It emphasizes the need for gathering data from different sources and perspectives to improve the plausibility and credibility of research results.This idea becomes less abstract by giving specific examples of research studies that applied this mixed-methods approach.
As a flexible platform for addressing the multidimensional problems of nursing practice, Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry is an important contribution to improving clinical decision-making and outcomes.By incorporating pragmatism and critical thinking into practice, nurses can improve patient results, develop their nursing expertise, and deliver healthcare attuned to the singular requirements of individuals and populations.This framework promotes a greater understanding of healthcare happenings and successfully enables nurses to navigate the intricate healthcare terrain with self-assurance and flexibility.processes in nursing practice.In response to shifting social realities and healthcare situations, it underlines nurses' need to regularly update their knowledge, reevaluate their presumptions, and adapt their practices.
Theoretical Assumptions 1. Pragmatic nursing inquiry is based on the assumption that nursing practice and inquiry are intensely local and contextual.The healthcare landscape is recognized as complex and impacted by contextual aspects such as culture, environment, and social dynamics.This theory states that an appropriate nursing question must consider cultural, environmental, historical, economic, political, and social contextual factors to make the investigation applicable, relevant, and yield meaningful results.2. Pragmatic nursing research accepts that Nursing Knowledge is complex and can be derived from different sources of paradigms.It knows that to create and apply knowing is to mix many theories, ways of seeing, and methods.Conceptually, the theory pushes nurses toward critical analysis, synthesis, and integration by drawing on multiple theories from different epistemological traditions in studying these phenomena.3. The underlying philosophy of pragmatic nursing research is that nursing research must be implemented to promote change and improve patient care.It is based on the idea of promoting fact-based thinking and putting that knowledge into action.Instead of staying purely theoretical, it argues that nursing research should educate and guide practical initiatives to enhance nursing interventions' quality, safety, and efficacy.That is, the value proposition of nursing research lies in its ability to stimulate and drive change in healthcare delivery.
Propositions 1.The central tenet of pragmatic nursing research is that nursing research should drive change and improve patient outcomes.When conducting nursing research, it's better to consider contextual elements such as culture, the environment, and social facts.This concept highlights the importance of using evidence-informed judgment and practical application of knowledge.It posits that rather than purely theoretical, nursing inquiry should instruct and guide practical attempts to increase nursing interventions' quality, reliability, and effectiveness.The theory contends that nursing inquiry's value and impact derive from its ability to shape and spur important advancements in healthcare delivery dynamics, which are considered at every stage of the research process.Contextual sensitivity makes it possible to uncover pertinent variables and apply research findings to actual nursing practice.2. By incorporating knowledge from multiple paradigms and sources, epistemological pluralism in nursing inquiry fosters a thorough understanding of nursing phenomena.The depth and breadth of nursing knowledge are enriched by embracing many viewpoints, theories, and methodologies, resulting in more strong and all-encompassing approaches to patient care.

Key Concepts a) Contextual Sensitivity:
The fundamental idea of contextual sensitivity underlines the significance of considering the particular context of nursing inquiry.It acknowledges that various contextual elements, such as culture, environment, and social dynamics, impact healthcare and promote awareness of and incorporation of these factors into the study process.b) Epistemological Pluralism: The idea of embracing various viewpoints, theories, and approaches in nursing inquiry is highlighted by epistemological pluralism.It recognizes that nursing knowledge has many facets and can be obtained from several epistemological traditions.Nurses can acquire a thorough knowledge of nursing phenomena by appreciating and integrating many sources of knowledge.c) Action-Oriented Outcomes: The purpose of nursing inquiry based on action-oriented outcomes underscores that the focus here is on promoting effective action and improving patient care outcomes.This discussion will highlight the importance of converting research data into an evidencebased practice, changing positively the manner of delivery of services in health care and promoting the effectiveness and safety of nursing interventions.d) Collaboration and multidisciplinary engagement: This implies that concepts like promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals, researchers, and other parties.This theory emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in generating excellent ideas, setting higher standards for research and broadening the reach of nursing inquiry on patients' care as well as the healthcare delivery system.e) Reflection and adaptation: This central concept points to the importance of continuous reflection and adaptation in nursing inquiry.It encourages nurses to critically assess their approaches, methodologies, and research designs to ensure their relevance and efficacy in addressing new issues and evolving healthcare environments.
f) Holistic Approach: A holistic approach emphasizes the integration of several parts of nursing inquiry, including the social, cultural, psychological, and physical aspects.The delivery of patient-centered care and a full understanding of patients' needs are both facilitated by a holistic approach.It acknowledges that the science of nursing is intricate and interconnected.
The theoretical cornerstone of pragmatic nursing inquiry, these essential ideas guide nurses' methods of inquiry and help them develop their perspectives on the contextual, epistemological, and practical dimensions of nursing practice.By implementing these concepts, nurses can enhance their inquiry efforts' relevance, usefulness, and impact, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the nursing profession.

Metaparadigm of Nursing from a Pragmatist Perspective
Person: The person is viewed as a dynamic, engaged individual formed by their unique upbringing and experiences.People are seen as actively participating in their healthcare, capable of making informed decisions, and actively enhancing their well-being from a pragmatic perspective.
Environment: The environment of a person encompasses their physical, social, cultural, and contextual components.A pragmatist sees the environment as a dynamic, ever-changing system that impacts people's health and well-being.Nurses are aware of the need to consider contextual factors and tailor care to the patient's particular needs as they relate to their environment.
Health: Health is seen as holistic and goes beyond simply being free from disease.For a pragmatist, being well is a constantly changing condition influenced by individual actions and what happens around them.Optimal care for the whole person must consider their physical, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of being, and it is the responsibility of nurses to do this.
Nursing: Nursing is viewed as practical; it focuses on bringing together multiple perspectives and applying knowledge in actual practice.In terms of a pragmatic perspective, the adoption of evidencebased practice, critical thinking, and problem-solving all fall within the definition of "nurse."Nursing is a teamwork, a very lively thing.Patient-centered, holistic care is provided to patients by nurses who assist them in attaining optimal health.
From a philosophical standpoint, the metaparadigm of nursing encompasses the active contribution of the individual, the influence of the environment, the holistic concept of wholeness, and the practical application of caring practices.This is a great example of the practical or contextual approach to nursing, which values context, collaboration, and integrating multiple perspectives for the best, most patientfocused outcomes.

Application of the Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory in Nursing
Implementing the Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory into nursing practice requires a wellplanned and detailed approach emphasizing multiple areas to improve patient care and nursing outcomes.

Holistic and Contextual Care
According to the Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry theory, caring is holistic and contextual.Nurses can put this theory into practice by providing holistic care to patients, considering their physical, psychological, social, and cultural aspects.For example, nurses caring for a patient with a chronic condition can think beyond what medicine is given to the patient and also think about what kind of emotional state the patient is in, what support system he is connected to, and his cultural beliefs.This comprehensive knowledge permits nurses to deliver person-centered, contextualized care (Ronen et al., 2018).

Collaborative Decision-Making
Nurses actively involve patients, the family unit, and other healthcare professionals in making decisions surrounding the treatment.It is also possible for nurses to talk about treatment preferences with patients and their families while crafting an intervention plan for a complex medical problem.Such an approach promotes an open language of communication and joint decision-making that leads to individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs of each patient, thereby increasing the efficiency of treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction (Vera, 2023).

Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice
Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry focuses on the importance of critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge in nursing practice.Nurses can incorporate this element into practice through regular critical reflection, questioning assumptions, and assessing the outcome of actions taken.In dealing with a clinical dilemma, nurses can use available evidence critically to inform their decision-making on what they know is best.Nurses contribute to improved patient care and outcomes by incorporating evidence-based practice into their decision-making.

Flexibility and Adaptability
The theory underscores the need for nurses to be flexible and adaptive, highlighting the dynamic nature of healthcare.In this principle, nurses can embrace change, remain open to new perspectives, and be updated on the latest field developments.For instance, nurses should be ready to adopt new approaches to handling their practices in response to current or future healthcare technicalities and therapy guidance.Because of this, nurse professionals are able to provide quality care to the numerous and multifaceted needs of patients (Firesheets & Firesheets, 2021).

Continuous Learning and Professional Development
Pragmatic nursing inquiry emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the process of professional development.Nurses can use the principle by looking for educational opportunities to update their knowledge and skills, indulging in intellectual activities, and becoming members of prestigious bodies.Nurses strengthen such capability by keeping up with the latest developments and research in providing evidence-based and patient-centered care.Continuing education and professional growth are crucial for maintaining excellence in care.
Applying the Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory is helpful in nursing because it promotes wholeness, cooperation, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, flexibility, and continuing learning and professional advancement in nursing practice.Nurses can enhance their care by incorporating these principles and positively influencing patient outcomes.Nevertheless, we must recognize the potential hurdles and limitations in implementation, like resource limitation and resistance to change, and develop effective strategies to overcome these challenges.

Testing of the Theory
Validation of the Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory for Nursing Practice.Empirical research and studies are needed to support its arguments and establish its worth.

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills:
The Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory claims that it would improve critical thinking among nurses as one of its key assertions.A study based on this claim can be well-designed for testing this claim.In this research, the first group of nurses would be trained in pragmatic nursing inquiry methods, whereas the second group would experience traditional instruction methods.Established assessment instruments might have been used to test both groups' critical thinking skills before and after the instruction.The team can then use statistical methods to verify whether the participants who received Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry have significantly improved their critical thinking abilities, hence approving the hypothesis.

Promoting Patient-Centered Care and Collaboration:
The theory also gives much focus to the advocating of patient-centered care and interprofessional collaboration.To test this claim, researchers may conduct qualitative research that includes direct observations and interactions with pragmatic nursing inquiry practicing nurses.The study could look for ways the nurses deal with patients, get them involved in decision-making, and work with other healthcare professionals.The collected data can be analyzed thematically to reveal repetitive trends and themes that showcase patient-centered care and partnership advocation.These themes may be observed in the data and, thus, confirm the hypotheses.

Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice
The theory posits that Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry enhances evidence-based practice in nursing.To assess this assertion, a multi-faceted research approach might be employed.Surveys could be used to collect quantitative data, evaluating the knowledge and application of evidence-based practice among nurses exposed to pragmatic nursing inquiry compared to those without such exposure.Additionally, interviews could be conducted to gather qualitative data exploring nurses' attitudes and experiences with applying evidence-based practice in clinical decision-making.Through a comprehensive analysis, researchers can determine whether nurses who utilize pragmatic nursing inquiry demonstrate superior knowledge and application of evidence-based practice, thus substantiating the hypothesis.
The theoretical framework provided by this inquiry-oriented model is instrumental in verifying the validity of Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory through empirical data accumulation.These findings not only support the theory claims but also assist in establishing a strong theoretical framework for nursing practice and education.Additionally, researchers should recognize possible problems with these studies, such as difficulty in enrollment or biases, and specify solutions to overcome these difficulties properly.

Conclusion
The Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Theory is fundamental in the pursuit of enhancing nursing practice.This paradigm based on pragmatism sheds light on key elements such as collaboration, patientcentered care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.Woven together, these principles form a groundbreaking template that encourages nurses to sharpen their problem-solving abilities and become advocates for the ideal patient results.
Through the lens of Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry, nurses are encouraged to embrace many perspectives and seamlessly integrate diverse paradigms into their practice.This inclusive approach acknowledges healthcare challenges' intricate and multi-faceted nature, equipping nurses to navigate complex scenarios with finesse and efficacy.
The significance of this theory reverberates not only within the realm of clinical care but also in the domains of nursing education and research.By adopting the principles of Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry, we stand on the precipice of a future where nursing education is enriched with innovative pedagogies and nursing research is fortified with a pragmatic lens that leads to holistic and evidence-based care.
To fully realize the potential of this theory, it is imperative to subject its hypotheses to empirical examination.Rigorous research endeavors are essential to underpin and validate the practical utility of this framework, shedding light on its tangible impacts on nursing practices.

Conflict of Interests
The author has no potential conflicts of interest related to the development and publication of this review.

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry Framework A circular framework is depicted in the Pragmatic Nursing Inquiry figure to emphasize its iterative and dynamic nature.The fundamental components of the framework are as follows:

3 .
Aiming to enhance patient care outcomes and promote evidence-based practice, nursing inquiry should be action-oriented.Nursing interventions' quality, safety, and efficacy are improved by turning research findings into usable applications and encouraging their inclusion into clinical decisionmaking procedures.4. Pragmatic nursing inquiry requires interdisciplinary participation and collaboration.The inquiry process is enriched by forming partnerships and exchanging knowledge with other healthcare professionals, researchers, and stakeholders.This encourages innovation and makes it possible to have a bigger influence on patient care and healthcare systems. 5.In pragmatic nursing inquiry, reflection and adaptation are crucial processes.Nurses should frequently assess the relevance and effectiveness of their inquiry methodologies, adjusting and honing them to address new challenges and changing environments in light of the dynamic nature of healthcare.