Two-eyed seeing, arts-based reflection and collaboration: Reflexivity tools for nursing practitioners working across cultures

Authors

  • Janet Lynne Kuhnke Cape Breton University
  • Sandra Jack-Malik Cape Breton Universtiy

Keywords:

Reflexive practice, two-eyed seeing, diabetic foot ulcers, art-as-event, culture, diversity, collaboration

Abstract

This paper explores how the use of reflexivity, an approach to knowledge construction and understanding, provided a structural framework for a doctoral student of psychology as she conducted a literature review and worked as a registered nurse in clinical practice. Her reflexive practice allowed for the exploration of perspectives, biases, values and knowledge system and therefore it added rigour, credibility and trustworthiness to both her literature review and clinical work. Although Janet is not a psychotherapist, her reflexive practice shaped the relationships she developed and influenced the care she provided to people living with diabetic foot ulcers because her therapeutic and community involvement overlapped. Janet’s reflexive practice helped her move beyond the delivery of physical wound care towards more inclusive and expansive relationships with individuals, communities, doctors, psychologists, and family members. As these collaborative and inclusive relationships developed, questions about struggles and socio-cultural knowing influenced her understandings and pushed at what she imagined holistic and culturally relevant care might involve. Because her clinical work was geographically located within Aboriginal communities, her reflexive practice was also informed by the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing. Writing, journaling, listening, conversations and creating ‘art-as-event’ are the strategies which serve as a resource for this paper. In addition, it is important to note this reflexive writing is collaborative and multi-disciplined (nursing, psychology, and education). Our collaboration resulted in opportunities to understand, challenge and value other perspectives born and experienced on landscapes unfamiliar to us as individuals, professionals and women working in communities.

Author Biography

Janet Lynne Kuhnke, Cape Breton University

Dr. Janet L. Kuhnke is a registered nurse of 35 years and she has a Doctorate in Psychology. She is a Nurse Specialist in Ostomy, Wound and Continence care and an Assistant Professor of Baccalaureate Nursing at Cape Breton University.  She worked on Vancouver Island in acute care in community hospitals, long-term care, and home and community care programs as a Clinical Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader. Janet is passionate about empowering front line clinicians, nurses, practitioners, and personal support workers to safely deliver client-centred care following best practices. She has completed a Masters in Family Systems and Doctorate in Psychology and is focusing on research in quality of life and mental health and wellness of patients living with chronic diseases and diabetic foot ulcers.

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Published

06/13/2019

How to Cite

Kuhnke, J. L., & Jack-Malik, S. (2019). Two-eyed seeing, arts-based reflection and collaboration: Reflexivity tools for nursing practitioners working across cultures. European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy, 9, 48–59. Retrieved from https://ejqrp.org/index.php/ejqrp/article/view/57

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Section

Articles