Theory in Nursing
Theory in Nursing
I do believe that theory in nursing is very important. Theory has been a part of nursing since the time Florence Nightingale began to change and develop procedures and explanations as to why nurses do what they do. A theory is defined as “a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena” (Theory [Def. 1], n.d.) Theory in nursing has been an ever-evolving topic. Expanding on reasoning for what we do, why we do stuff, and what affects we do have on our patients. Peplau was a theorist who developed the theory of interpersonal relationships. Explaining the interactions with the patient as it evolves into a more therapeutic relationship. The nurse and patient start off as strangers in the orientation phase and progress to the exploitation phase where the nurse and patient interact and finally the resolution phase when the care has been provided and the relationship at that time is terminated. This theory is a foundation of each interaction we have with our patients starting the moment that we get our assignment. Peplau “enabled the nurse to begin to move away from the disease model orientation to one where the psychological meaning of events, feelings and behaviors could be explored and incorporated into nursing interventions” (Adams, 2017).
As nurses at the bedside we don’t often think too much about how we are using every day. As explained above the most common theory that has been developed and explained is the foundation to how we interact during the day. There are countless numbers of theories out there that we function based on, but don’t always know it. As identified by Sheri Jacobson, the best way to help nurses make the connection between theory and practice is by helping nurses make the connection using real example of practice (2017). An example she gave was of a nurse who is providing teaching for a patient on how to care for themselves when they leave (i.e. dressing changes, medication administration, exercises, etc.). Without theory in our practice we would have no foundation to go from to guide our practice and care methods.
References:
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Adams, L. (2017). Peplau’s Contributions to Psychiatric and Nursing Knowledge. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from http://jmhan.org/index.php/JMHAN/article/view/3
Jacobson, S. (2017). Building Bridges from Theory to Practice: Nursing Theory for Clinical Nurses. Med-Surg Matters, 26(3), 1-15.
Theory [Def. 1]. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved December 26,2017, from http://www.dictionary.com/browse/theory.
Week 1 discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing For many students enrolled in NR501, this is an initial course for nursing theory. So, let’s have a debate. Is nursing theory important to the nursing profession? If you believe that it is important, explain why it is useful. If you do not believe that it is useful, explain why nursing theory is not necessary to the profession? Be sure to provide an example that demonstrates your opinion and a scholarly reference (not using the required textbook or lesson) which supports your opinion. Week 2 discussion Development of Nursing Knowledge Debate with classmates on the dominant philosophical schools of thought in nursing (received view and perceived view). Which worldview best encompasses the profession of nursing? Why? Provide an example. Week 3 discussion Steps of Concept Analysis At the end of Week 3 your concept analysis is due. This discussion provides an opportunity to start this assignment. Select a nursing concept, supported by a nursing theory, and address the following components included in a concept analysis:
Theory in Nursing
Definition of concept Identification of three attributes of the concept Description of one antecedent and one consequence of the concept Identification of two empirical referents Brief explanation of theoretical applications of the concept (How is the concept relevant to a nursing theory?) This information does not have to be comprehensive but provides a foundation to the upcoming assignment. Be sure to include scholarly references. Week 4 discussion Nursing Theory Identify your specialty area of professional practice. Select a nursing theory from the list of specialty track specific theories provided in the lesson plan or one of your own findings. Address the following: (1) briefly identify concepts of the nursing metaparadigm (remember the selected theory may not include all four concepts); (2) provide an example how the theory could be used to improve or evaluate the quality of practice in your specific setting. Week 5 discussion Analysis and Application of a Nursing Model Select either the PCN Framework or the Chamberlain Care Model. Consider how the following components would be included in an analysis of the selected model: Origin of the model Meaning of the model Logical adequacy of the model Usefulness of the model Generalizability of the model Degree of parsimony within the model Testability of the model What rationale can you provide which validates the selected model as a theoretical framework for nursing practice? Be sure to include scholarly references to support your discussion. Week 6 discussion Borrowed (non-nursing) Theories Applied to the Nursing Profession While the focus of this course is nursing theory, frequently the use of non-nursing or borrowed theories occurs. Identify your future nursing practice area. Discuss how a specific non-nursing (borrowed) theory has been or could be applied by nurses (specific to practice focus) to effectively deal with an issue. Be sure to provide an example of how the non-nursing theory can be used to enhance the selected practice area. Remember to include scholarly reference(s) to support your information. Potential discussion topic focus areas: Nurse educator practice issues: student retention, faculty preparation, critical thinking skills. Nurse leaders or nurse managers – administrative issues: staffing, use of supplies, staff performance. Family nurse practitioner – clinical practice issues: chronic illness, aging population, social determinants of health. Healthcare policy practice issues – environmental health, healthy nurse initiative, childhood obesity. Nursing informatics practice issues – ergonomics, project management, staff development Week 7 discussion Nursing Theory Applied to Evidence Based Practice This week we are focusing on the application of nursing theories to evidence-based practice. In NR 500, you explored an area of interest related to your selected specialty track. You then identified an issue/concern related to that area of interest. For this discussion: select a nursing theory or model that can be used as a framework to support the resolution of your identified issue/concern. In your initial response, address the following: How the selected nursing theory or model is relevant to your specialty track A brief description of the issue/concern How the selected nursing theory or model can be used to guide the resolution of the issue/concern Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points. Remember to include at least one outside scholarly source. Week 8 discussion Course Reflection and Future Application Throughout the discussion occurring in this course, a common element has been application of theory. For this final discussion, identify your future professional practice role. Identify one emerging trend related to your future professional practice area. Discuss a current theory or envision a new theory that can be used to support evidence-based change related to the identified emerging change. Remember to use outside scholarly sources to support your initial response. Week 2 assignment Reflective Essay Guidelines The Reflective Essay Guidelines with Scoring Rubric is due by Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (MT) at the end of Week 2. The guidelines are below and the guidelines and grading rubric for this assignment are also located in Course Resources. Purpose Nursing knowledge is classified in a variety of ways, one of which is Carper’s Patterns of Knowing (Carper, 1978).
Theory in Nursing
