Application of Nursing Theory to Practice
Becoming a practicing nurse is not an easy task. Throughout their education, students face assignments and research related to nursing theories.
Practical training is also part of the program. Nursing students encounter a variety of theories that serve as the foundation for nursing practice. These theories are used as references and case studies by nurses.
However, once nurses start practicing, they often don’t refer back to these theories to confirm case outcomes. Here, we’ll delve into the Application of Nursing Theory to Practice:
Most of these applications are carried out by nurses with a basic understanding. Not all theories are actually put into practice in real-life hospitals. Now, let’s explore these theories, how they’re applied, and their significance.
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Introduction to Nursing Theories
As students, it’s important to ask: What are these theories? Why should we study them? And what role do they play?
What are Nursing Theories?
This question is relevant in all respects. Nursing theories consist of organized concepts developed through research that explain nursing principles. They further define the scope of nursing and its practice.
With the definition of nursing in mind, let’s now delve into the scope of nursing theories. These theories are categorized into key parts or concepts as outlined below:
- Person/The Patient Within nursing theories, the concept of “person” refers to the patient, who is the individual receiving care. This concept also encompasses those who care for the patient.
- Environment/The Hospital The environment refers to the hospital setting or the patient’s surroundings. These concepts suggest that changing the environment can positively impact a patient’s condition.
- Nursing/The Practice The core of nursing theory involves the relationship between the patient and the nurse. The nurse is expected to apply their skills in a professional manner.
- Health/Personal Well-Being This aspect focuses on the overall well-being of the patient, encompassing social, spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions to ensure the patient’s speedy recovery.
The aforementioned concepts are commonly covered by various theorists. Nursing students and practicing nurses need to identify which concepts align with specific theories.
Primary Nursing Theories
Below are the primary nursing theories that all nursing students and practicing nurses should study thoroughly:
- Grand Nursing Theories These theories provide conceptual frameworks for nurses, addressing how nurses behave in their environment. While not extremely detailed, they can be applied in various contexts.
- Middle-Range Nursing Theories Unlike grand nursing theories, middle-range theories are more specific and detailed. They offer intricate insights into related theories or interrelated disciplines. These theories have been tested and proven over time.
- Practice-Level Nursing Theories Practice-level nursing theories offer even more detailed insights, particularly suited for practical situations. These theories can exist within both grand and middle-range theories, but at the practice level, the details are more specific to guide nurses in proper interventions.
Importance of Nursing Theories
Theories play a crucial role in nursing as they provide a foundation for applying concepts. They serve as reference points for nurses in patient care.
- Nurses rely on theories for making critical decisions.
- Theories, like Imogene King’s theory of Goal Attainment, help nurses understand their vital role in a patient’s environment as they strive for better health.
- Theories empower nurses to provide high-quality healthcare to their patients.
- Environmental regulations are guided by theories, ensuring nurses’ well-being as they practice within hospitals.
- Theories offer guidance for decision-making prior to administering treatments.
- They set professional boundaries and ethical guidelines for nurses.
- The evidence-based practice in nursing is possible due to years of researched theories, which are crucial for crafting top nursing papers.
Who Benefits from Applying Nursing Theory to Practice?
Various individuals utilize the application of nursing theory to practice. Researchers use these theories as references to advance their studies, students employ them to enhance their knowledge before entering real-world scenarios, and practicing nurses use them for reference and informed decision-making.
Nursing Theories and Theorists
Theorists, backed by thorough research, have formulated principles supporting the four primary nursing concepts. Their evidence-based theories continue to be applied by practicing nurses today. Here are some theorists and their corresponding concepts:
- Ida Jean Orlando – Theory of Nursing Process: Emphasizes the importance of nurses forming a connection with patients to deliver effective treatment, focusing on both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Dorothy Johnson – The System Model Theory: Focuses on maintaining individual stability within the system, addressing stressors that can disrupt stability.
- Madeleine Leininger – Theory of Transcultural Nursing: Highlights the universal and transcultural nature of patient care, focusing on cultural values and differences.
- Dorothea Orem – Self-Care Deficit Theory: Outlines nurses’ responsibility to care for patients, aid them in self-care, and facilitate their learning of self-care practices.
- Jean Watson – Theory of Philosophy and Caring Model: Emphasizes the universal nature of caring, asserting that genuine care stems from an authentic self.
- Imogene King – Theory of Goal Attainment: Asserts that all transactions within a specific environment are geared toward achieving a goal.
Conclusion
Nursing theories serve as the foundation of nursing practice, offering reference points and evidence-based decision-making tools. Nurses often use these theories instinctively. The frameworks provided by these theories supply guidance, goals, and operational scope for nurses.
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