Donna Frost

v CONTENTS ABSTRACT i DEDICATION ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii CONTENTS v LIST OF FIGURES xi LIST OF TABLES xiv CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION 21 Why professional artistry? 22 What is known about professional artistry? 24 Getting to the essence of nursing practice 26 Structure of the thesis 28 CHAPTER 2 : PROFESSIONAL ARTISTRY: ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION 31 Professional artistry: setting the scene 32 Concept analysis: theoretical principles and methods 33 Search strategy 34 Overview of the literature 38 Key aspects of professional artistry: reference points, antecedents attributes and consequences 39 1 . Professional artistry occurs in complex and challenging practice situations 42 2 . Professional artistry is demonstrated by professionals well prepared for the encounter 43 3 . Professional artistry occurs against a professional framework 47 4 . Professional artistry is embedded and embodied in the practices of professionals 48 5 . Professional artistry involves the professional perceiving and responding holistically, creatively and critically 50 6 . Professional artistry contributes to human flourishing 52 The meaning of professional artistry 54