The Relevancy of Ethnography to Nursing Research

The systematic inquiry into human experience, within the context of health, allows nurses to discover knowledge that helps in optimizing health and quality of life. Humans have natural health-seeking behaviors that are influenced by culture. Understanding the essences of these behaviors allows nursing science to progress and promotes health of people. The discovery process must be inclusive of appropriate research methodologies that are congruent with nursing philosophy, practice, and goals. Here, the author links ethnography to nursing practice and presents it as a relevant method for nursing research.