Application of Nursing Theory to Practice

Application of Nursing Theory to Practice

Becoming a practicing nurse is a challenging journey. Throughout their education, students encounter various theoretical aspects through homework, assignments, and research work, alongside practical training in healthcare institutions. The practical application of nursing theory in practice is a crucial aspect of a nurse’s career. In this discussion, we will explore nursing theories, their significance, and how they are applied in real healthcare settings.

Introduction to Nursing Theories

To begin, it’s essential to understand what nursing theories are, why they should be studied, and their importance.

What are Nursing Theories?

Nursing theories are structured and researched concepts that elucidate principles within the nursing field. They provide a framework for understanding and practicing nursing.

The Scope of Nursing Theories:

1. Person/Patient: In nursing theories, the concept of the person represents the patient, the central focus of nursing care. It also includes caregivers involved in the patient’s life.

2. Environment/Hospital: This concept pertains to the hospital setting and the patient’s surroundings. Altering the environment can impact a patient’s well-being.

3. Nursing/Practice: The core of nursing theories involves the nurse’s role in the patient’s care. Nurses are expected to apply their skills professionally.

4. Health/Personal Well-being: This encompasses the overall well-being of a patient, including their social, spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects.

Major Nursing Theories:

Several major nursing theories provide a foundation for the practice of nursing. They can be categorized as follows:

1. Grand Nursing Theories: These provide conceptual frameworks for nurses and address the behaviors of nurses within healthcare environments. They can be applied in various settings.

2. Middle-Range Nursing Theories: More detailed and specific than grand theories, middle-range theories provide in-depth insights into interrelated theories and disciplines. They have been tested over time.

3. Practice-Level Nursing Theories: These theories offer even greater detail and specificity, often building upon grand and middle-range theories. They are tailored to guide nurses in their daily practice.

The Application of Nursing Theory in Practice

Importance of Nursing Theories:

Nursing theories hold significant importance in the field:

1. Critical Decision-Making: Nurses use theories to make informed decisions while caring for patients. These theories guide nurses in understanding their role in patient recovery and overall health.

2. Quality Healthcare: Nursing theories assist nurses in providing high-quality healthcare services to their patients, addressing various aspects of patient care.

3. Environmental Regulations: Theories offer guidance to nurses in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for patients and themselves.

4. Dispensation Guidance: Theories provide nurses with clear guidance and reference points for decision-making and treatment procedures.

5. Professional Boundaries: Nursing theories establish professional boundaries and ethical standards for nurses, ensuring they adhere to codes of conduct.

6. Evidence-Based Practice: Theories contribute to evidence-based practice by providing a researched foundation for nursing interventions and care.

Who Utilizes the Application of Nursing Theory to Practice?

Various individuals and groups benefit from the application of nursing theory to practice:

1. Researchers: Nursing theories serve as references for research in the field, contributing to the development of new knowledge.

2. Nursing Students: Students use theories to enhance their understanding and preparation for real healthcare environments.

3. Practicing Nurses: Experienced nurses rely on theories as references to make informed decisions and provide quality care to patients.

Notable Nursing Theorists and Their Concepts:

Several nursing theorists have made significant contributions to the field. Here are a few and their core concepts:

– Ida Jean Orlando: Emphasized the importance of nurse-patient connections and effective communication in the nursing process.

– Dorothy Johnson: Focused on maintaining stability within the individual amidst environmental stressors.

– Madeleine Leininger: Stressed the universality of caring for patients, emphasizing cultural values and differences.

– Dorothea Orem: Developed the Self-Care Deficit Theory, highlighting nurses’ role in patient self-care and education.

– Jean Watson: Advocated for a philosophy and caring model that starts with self-awareness and human connection.

– Imogene King: Emphasized goal attainment and the role of nurses in achieving patient health goals.

– Hildegard Peplau: Proposed the Theory of Interpersonal Relations, highlighting the nurse’s role in understanding their own interpersonal traits and phases of the nurse-patient relationship.

– Faye Abdellah: Focused on the problems presented by patients as a determinant of nursing care.

– Myra Estrin Levine: Advocated for the use of conservation in nursing, boosting patient energy levels and overall well-being.

Marya Levine, in her submission, emphasized the use of conversation by nurses as a means to boost the patient’s energy levels, enhance their personal integrity, and strengthen their social and structural integrity. Effective communication is indeed a fundamental aspect of nursing practice.

Here are some notable nursing theorists and their contributions:

1. Martha Rogers – Theory of Science of Unitary Human Beings
– Rogers’ theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans with their environment. She views individuals as holistic beings inseparable from their surroundings.

2. Nola Pender – Theory of Health Promotion Model
– Pender’s theory focuses on promoting health and preventing illness. It emphasizes individual actions and their impact on health.

3. Ida Jean Orlando – The theory of Deliberative Nursing Process
– Orlando’s theory centers on the nurse-patient relationship and the importance of deliberate nursing actions to meet patient needs.

4. Katharine Kolcaba – Comfort Theory
– Kolcaba’s theory addresses the concept of comfort as a fundamental aspect of nursing care. It explores how nurses can provide comfort to patients in various ways.

5. Sister Calista Roy – Adaptation theory
– Roy’s theory focuses on individuals’ adaptation to changes in their environment and the nurse’s role in promoting adaptation.

6. Betty Neuman – Theory of System model
– Neuman’s theory views individuals as holistic systems and emphasizes the importance of maintaining stability in the face of stressors.

7. Sister Callista Roy – Theory Adaptation Model of Nursing
– Roy’s adaptation model emphasizes the patient’s ability to adapt to changes and the nurse’s role in facilitating this adaptation.

In conclusion, nursing theories serve as the backbone of nursing practice, providing a framework for understanding patient care, guiding decisions, and ensuring evidence-based practice. These theories are essential knowledge for nurses working in real healthcare environments, even if they apply them unconsciously at times. If you have nursing application homework, our team is available to assist you with authentic nursing homework papers.