An analysis of wisdom: an experience in nursing practice.

Nurses have demonstrated an interest in the nurse-patient relationship as both as a process and as the meaning derived from this relationship. Consequently the elements of the nurse-patient relationship have been explored within a variety of contextual experiences. To date, there has been no articulation of the experience of wisdom within the context of the nurse-patient relationship. This exploratory hermeneutic study examines the lived experience of wisdom in nursing practice. Three self-identified individuals from a northeast metropolitan area, ranging in age from 40 to 50 years, participated in multiple non-structured interviews. All participants spoke and understood English. Transcripts were analyzed using Gadamerian methodology. The findings suggest two constitutive patterns in participants' experience of wisdom: "Transformation as a Moment in Time" and "Transformation as Unfolding/Evolving Moments in Time."