Sublimity and beauty: A view from nursing aesthetics.

BACKGROUND

Several authors have focused on the aesthetics of nursing care from diverse perspectives; however, there are few studies about the sublime and the beautiful in nursing.

AIM

To identify beautiful and sublime moments in the context of the aesthetics of nursing care.

METHODS

A theoretical reflection has been contemplated about sublime and beautiful values in the context of the aesthetics of nursing care from the cultural history perspective. For that purpose, a revision of this issue has been completed. The terms 'beautiful' and 'sublime' have been analysed to identify the characteristics of both in the context of nursing care.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

We have followed all ethical requirements regarding the sources, conducting research and authorship. There is no conflict of interest in this paper.

RESULTS

With aesthetic knowledge, the nurse expresses the artistic nature of nursing care by appreciating the act of caring for individuals. The sublime is a complex phenomenon, since apparently contrary feelings are interwoven. Nursing care is an art with an anthropological object-subject on which the 'artist' applies their prior knowledge and skills. Feelings and emotions that develop during the clinical nursing practice - especially at times sublime and beautiful, aesthetic - constitute experiences which are professionally significant.