A discipline refers to a systematically structured body of knowledge and theoretically constructed research methods based on certain principles. It involves intellectual activities focused on seeking truth through conceptual thinking, judgment, and reasoning. In the discipline of nursing, the conceptualization of health-related phenomena in individuals, families, and communities is primarily based on paradigms of human, environment, health, and nursing. This body of knowledge provides explanations rooted in scientific evidence and employs judgment and reasoning to elucidate practices. Nursing is positioned as an applied science, often termed a practical discipline, in contrast to fundamental disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its goal is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of humans at all stages of health by applying various disciplines from basic sciences.

The establishment of nursing academic societies significantly contributes to the development of the nursing discipline. These societies provide a platform for nurses to share their research findings, facilitating the exchange of the latest information and accumulating knowledge applicable to nursing practice. With advancements in science and technology, specialization within the nursing discipline has progressed. In Japan, the Japanese Council of Nursing Societies, formed for the academic development of nursing, registered 38 nursing societies by 2011. This organizational effort lays the foundation for systematizing the nursing discipline.

• Chin, P. L., & Kramer, M. K. (2007). Nursing masterpiece series: Chin & Kramer toward building integrated knowledge in nursing (Kawahara, Y., Trans.). Elsevier Japan.
• Kim, H. S. (2003). The essence of theoretical thinking in nursing (Kamizuru, S., & Harada, Y., Trans.). Japan Nursing Association Press.
• Reed, J., & Ground, I. (2001). Thinking nursing: Introduction to philosophy for nurses (Nobuta, M. H., Trans.). Igaku-Shoin.