This article objectifies to reflect on empirical, ethical, esthetical and personal patterns of knowing proposed by Carper as well as a fifth one called sociopolitical pattern of knowing according to White. By delimiting its acting field, nursing needs to explicit its ways of knowing, producing and validating knowledge in order to consolidate as a discipline and profession which is organized and socially expressed with unique identity in a complex knowledge field. The sociopolitical pattern of knowing contributes for nurses to have a broad view, particularly the responsibility and commitment as agents of organizational, social and political change, investing on the innovation and sustainability of nursing work process in favor of individual and collective health.
Knowledge; Nursing care; Nurse's role