After this course I have a different view of nursing theory. I took a nursing theory course
in nursing school. Yet, starting out as a new nurse I did not think much about the integration of
theory into my practice. After time and some clinical practical nursing experience, I revisited
nursing theory with this class. I can now see the importance of theory in practice. Patient
education, the nursing care plans we produce and implement, and concepts as simple as infection
control, all have a theoretical basis.
Based on what I have learned in this course, I will be able to apply nursing theory to my
career. Nursing theory provides the principles of practice and helps create new nursing
knowledge and concepts. This new knowledge can be used in formulate evidence-based
protocols for the hospital or unit I work in. Theories will help understand what is being studied
and provide reasons to exercise specific interventions. I also have an interest in pursuing my
career further to take on an advanced leadership role one day. A solid foundation on different
theories will help assist me in both the management of patient care as well as in leadership.
To respond to the question “Why is nursing theory important to practice”, I would give
the advantages that theory can provide to practice. Using theory in practice can help organize
principles of nursing into applying it to direct nursing care. Theory can give a reason as to why
you are doing what you are doing. Theory gives a foundation for the appropriate rationale for
patient care. I would also add that using theory exhibits the use of critical thinking and shows an
educational source for your nursing care and decisions. This way of thinking aids in personal
growth and growth in the profession.
McEwen and Wills (2019) pointed out that the future of nursing will need to be
dependent on using different ways to investigate and employ research study because nursing is
intricate and multifaceted. This use of various points of view will offer explanations to problems
in question as well as offering new perceptions that can lead to new findings (McEwen & Wills,
2019). One new trend for nursing theory is the use of evidence-based protocols. I am
experiencing this where I work as the organization embarks on obtaining magnet status. There is
a desire for researching new evidence-based concepts that can then be implemented into clinical
practice. It is critical that nurses identify the connection between theory, research, and practice
(McEwen & Wills, 2019).
The story of the good Samaritan “set the moral standard for nursing” (Shelly & Miller,
2006, p.282). The concept that compassion is required to give care to another. Duty to others and
a sense of obligation is solicited. The changes in healthcare are inevitable yet the concept of
nursing as caring for those in need will remain. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but
each of you to the interests of others”, Philippians 2:3-4, New International Version).
References
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5 th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
Wolters Kluwer.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Sylvia
I related a lot to your comments about the nursing field being driven by patient satisfaction and
costs. The work can be time consuming and nurses are stressed trying to meet all these needs
imposed on them. Yet it is important to reflect as to what brought you to become a nurse and
what you want to get out of it. Shelly and Miller (2006) relayed information from a survey of
Christian nurses as to what characteristic they thought nurses needed most and the most chosen
answer was compassion at 80 percent. I also found it interesting that Shelly and Miller (2006)
stated that nursing is going to change furthermore as far as technology and care delivery, but the
foundation of caring being compassion will always remain. “May the Lord make our love
increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as our does for you”, (1
Thessalonians 3:12, New International Version).
From reading others posts as well as yours, there is much reflection on one’s own practice and
how theory is involved in shaping it. You identified with Orem’s self-care theory as way to bring
the patient back to their baseline and assist them in caring for their own needs. As I reflect on my
nursing practice after this class, I identify with Jean Watson’s caring theory. Treating patients
holistically with mind, body and spirit. A driving force in my nursing practice has been to treat
others as I would want to be treated, as I would want my family treated. Theory makes nursing
practice focused by declaring the objective and intended results (McEwen & Wills, 2019).
References
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5 th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
Wolters Kluwer.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Courtney
I agree with you in that my view of nursing theory has changed with this course. It has become
apparent that nursing theory is the foundation of how we all practice. I too associate my nursing
practice to that of Jean Watson’s caring theory. I share in your style of caring for patients as if
they were your loved ones. It takes a special person to give to others in the same manner you
would to a loved one. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, New International Version).
I liked that you pointed out that theories were established to provide change and evolution in
nursing care and that theories are important in understanding our profession. Theories have
acknowledged standards for nursing practice and guided the delivery of care (McEwen & Wills,
2019). Theories help research that will generate learning and knowledge to build nursing practice
(McEwen & Wills, 2019). Nursing theory allows direction and purpose to our practice (Shelly &
Miller, 2006).
This course has brought to light the fact that nursing is ever-changing. We advance our learning
through research, there is a progression of new technology introduced, and we adapt our delivery
of care to care for more complicated patients. Yet the theories that have provided a basis for
nursing are still supplying that same knowledge and driving nursing care.
References
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5 th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
Wolters Kluwer.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
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