Abstract

Purpose: I entered nursing 45 years ago in the ensuing years so much has changed that I believe the nature of nursing has changed exponentially. To explore this story further I have embarked as a higher degree student on a study of the history of nursing in Australia. My methodological choice is Autoethnography. This paper will engage in debate about the use of Autoethnography as a valid approach to researching nursing history.

Methods: In autoethnography the subject is self (auto) and ethnos the study of culture. Autoethnography according to Holt uses highly personalised accounts where they draw on their own experiences to extend understanding of a particular discipline of culture (2003:2).

Results: The paper is designed to discuss a number of issues related to the use of Autoethnography as a valid approach to history research.

Conclusion: There have been a number of approaches to nursing history research over the years. The author reviewed methods such as Histiography, Biography, Autobiography and conculded that by using autoethnography to tell the story against the nursing journey of the last 45 years. Holt, NL 2003 Representation, Legitimation, and Autoethnography: An Autoethnographic Writing Story. International Journal of Qualitative Methods 2(1). Article retrieved January 2011) from http://www.alberta.ca/~iiqm/backissues/s_1final/htm/holt.html

Author Details

Siegloff, Lesley M., BEd, (Ntud), MNA, (UNSW); Arbon, Paul, AM, BSc, MEd, (Studies), PhD; Smigiel, Heather, PhD

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Nursing History, Autoethnography, Australia

Conference Name

23rd International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Brisbane, Australia

Conference Year

2012

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Researching nursing history in Australia: Using autoethnography as method!

Brisbane, Australia

Purpose: I entered nursing 45 years ago in the ensuing years so much has changed that I believe the nature of nursing has changed exponentially. To explore this story further I have embarked as a higher degree student on a study of the history of nursing in Australia. My methodological choice is Autoethnography. This paper will engage in debate about the use of Autoethnography as a valid approach to researching nursing history.

Methods: In autoethnography the subject is self (auto) and ethnos the study of culture. Autoethnography according to Holt uses highly personalised accounts where they draw on their own experiences to extend understanding of a particular discipline of culture (2003:2).

Results: The paper is designed to discuss a number of issues related to the use of Autoethnography as a valid approach to history research.

Conclusion: There have been a number of approaches to nursing history research over the years. The author reviewed methods such as Histiography, Biography, Autobiography and conculded that by using autoethnography to tell the story against the nursing journey of the last 45 years. Holt, NL 2003 Representation, Legitimation, and Autoethnography: An Autoethnographic Writing Story. International Journal of Qualitative Methods 2(1). Article retrieved January 2011) from http://www.alberta.ca/~iiqm/backissues/s_1final/htm/holt.html