Nursing Theory
There is an obvious deficiency in the application of theory in nursing practice. This paper will include a discussion of how nursing practice is affected by the use of nursing theory. I will provide evidence in relation to how theory based practice relates to the core competencies of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project. I will discuss a journal article that reinforces the gap of nursing theory in nursing practice, and interview colleagues regarding the incorporation of theory in their individual practice. In conclusion I will express my own view point of why theory has been neglected.
Nursing Practice Theory
In the 1920’s the American Journal of Nursing published proof that nurses use research in their practice. The discovery of theory as a foundation of nursing practice began in the 1960’s. Research and theory exploded among the nursing profession through case studies (American Nurses Association, 2010). Nurses began documenting their research which allowed other nurses to validate the research and theory by putting the ideas into action. Theories were developed for two main reasons: to increase education and to improve nursing care. Theory helps nursing provide exceptional care by using research and education while also explaining the phenomenon of nursing. Theory proved to society that nursing was a scholarly profession. However almost 100 years later there is an embarrassing deficit of theory based practice amongst nurses. (Sitzman & Wright Eichelberger, 2011)
Further proof that nursing theory is imperative to practice is clear to many organizations. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project identified core competencies to improve health care. These competencies are as follows, safety, patient centered care, informatics, teamwork and collaboration, quality improvement, and evidence based practice. In my opinion I believe all six
Nursing Practice Theory
In the 1920’s the American Journal of Nursing published proof that nurses use research in their practice. The discovery of theory as a foundation of nursing practice began in the 1960’s. Research and theory exploded among the nursing profession through case studies (American Nurses Association, 2010). Nurses began documenting their research which allowed other nurses to validate the research and theory by putting the ideas into action. Theories were developed for two main reasons: to increase education and to improve nursing care. Theory helps nursing provide exceptional care by using research and education while also explaining the phenomenon of nursing. Theory proved to society that nursing was a scholarly profession. However almost 100 years later there is an embarrassing deficit of theory based practice amongst nurses. (Sitzman & Wright Eichelberger, 2011)
Further proof that nursing theory is imperative to practice is clear to many organizations. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project identified core competencies to improve health care. These competencies are as follows, safety, patient centered care, informatics, teamwork and collaboration, quality improvement, and evidence based practice. In my opinion I believe all six
References: American Nurses Association. (2010). Scope of nursing practice, Nursing research and evidence - based practice. In (Ed.), Scope and standards of practice: nursing (2nd ed., pp. 15-17). Silver Spring, MD: Nursing Books. Masters, K. (2012). Nursing theories: a framework for professional practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. McCurry, M. K., Hunter Revell, S. M., & Roy, Sister, C. (2009). Knowledge for the good of the individual and society: linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(), 42-52. Sitzman, K. L., & Wright Eichelberger, L. (2011). Understanding the work of nurse theorists: a creative beginning (2nd Ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.