ABSTRACT
In this chapter I present some perspectives on Finnish nursing science (NS). There are a number of issues concerning nursing as a university education and as a discipline. My enquiry into the nature of the linkages between the academic culture of NS and disciplinary knowledge focuses on the following themes: how the historical background and current university context of NS explains the identity of the discipline; NS as a discipline with a professional orientation and female dominance; and theory–practice distinctions challenging NS. I conclude by discussing what it means to NS that it is working at the intersection of different influences. This chapter highlights, in particular, the changing nature of disciplinary cultures associated with vocational or professionally oriented higher education practice.
