By Coby Tschanz, RN, MN, PhD(c)
Funding support provided by the Dorothy Kergin Endowment Fund meant that I could spend 6 days of study at the Institute of Humanbecoming (IHB) held in June 2012 at Point Park University, Pittsburgh. The IHB is offered yearly, and is attended by nurses and others interested in the humanbecoming school of thought originally authored by Dr. Rosemarie Parse. This year, people from Indonesia, Europe, and North America were working or retired nurses in positions as administrators, researchers, theorists, educators, and/or direct caregivers.
Together we refined our understanding and articulation of humanbecoming, and we took opportunities to share dialogue on related topics such as: undergraduate
nursing curricula, graduate studies, practice and research issues, and teaching-learning principles. Pittsburgh is a wonderful setting for the Institute. The city is located at the confluence of 3 vital rivers—a richly historic and turbulent environment in which to reflect on what it means to be a nurse and nurse educator.
Participation in the IHB required commitments of in-depth preparation and engagement. In preparation, I re-read several seminal books and articles, studied the work of scholars who have influenced Parse’s thinking, and developed questions to share with participants. Dr. Parse facilitated our studies with skillful pacing, guiding questions, humour, and an (astonishingly) extensive knowledge base. Attendees presented on their ongoing scholarly projects. Broad-ranging
dialogue and consultation ensued throughout the meeting. An unexpected benefit of attendance relates to how studies at the IHB contributed to my process of preparing for reappointment to the SON. In addition, I’ve refreshed my commitment to examine and advance the philosophical and scientific ground of our discipline.
I have come away from this intense time of study feeling energized. Being away from both office and home provided an opportunity to create a retreat-like routine—I am seriously considering attending this Institute, or something similar, once every year or two. Overall, I have refreshed and deepened my understanding of humanbecoming, which is a useful framework for nurses who wish to focus their attention on quality of life as described by the person. I have
had a welcome opportunity for concentrated study and reflection. I am looking forward to seeing how my experience at the institute will contribute to fulfilling teaching and other responsibilities at the SON in the future. I extend my sincere gratitude to all who contribute to the workings of the Kergin Endowment.
From the 2013 Fall Communiqué — History of Nursing
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