APNs can facilitate the ability to practice both the art and science of nursing and reduce the chasm between theory and practice by using nursing theory as a foundation. According to Chism, nursing theory is made up of ideas brought together by associated expressions that characterize, clarify, and foretell phenomenon that are in accordance with nursing viewpoints (Chism, 2013). Nursing theory helps to identify what should shape the foundation of practice by clearly describing nursing. It is essential the APN use nursing theory in evidence-based practice, to provide better patient care, improve communication between nurses, and as a guide for nursing research and education. In addition, because the main champion of nursing, caring, cannot be quantified, it is crucial to have a theory to examine and spell out what the APN does.
Describe the evolution of various types of nursing education programs as a response to changes in healthcare delivery. Analyze contributions of past and present nursing leaders to the evolution of the nursing profession. Analyze the role of the nurse as a thoughtful strategist based on how historical nursing leaders have molded the profession. Role of the Nurse This topic addresses the following competency: Competency 740.1.1: The Nursing Profession The graduate analyzes the historical and contemporary context of nursing practice. This topic highlights the following objectives: Distinguish the nursing profession from an occupation.
Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions (Oxford Dictionary 2011). The ultimate goal of research is to develop, refine and expand upon a body of knowledge providing evidence to either support or reject clinical practice (Polit and Beck 2004). Evidence based practice is broadly defined as the use of the best clinical evidence in making client care decisions (Polit and Beck 2004), and is agreed to ensure safe practice (Sackett 1996). By giving care based on evidence, a nurse acts as an advocate, working to their Code (NMC 2008a), helping clients to access relevant health and social care. In this essay the author looks at the role of the nurse in managing the safe withdrawal of clients detoxifying from alcohol on an inpatient unit.
One of the nursing theories most commonly used in practice is Orem’s theory. Dorothea Orem is one of America’s well-known nursing theorists. Orem’s theory guides nurses to assist in meeting self-care deficits whether based only on the cognitive or on the technical. Orem focused on capabilities or action and self-management. Orem’s purpose for developing the self-care framework includes: Trying to find the meaning of nursing and to develop a body of nursing knowledge based on research.
Nursing theory applies conceptual frameworks to guide practice through predicting and describing specific behavior. There are many types of nursing theories out there, but the theory I chose was Dr. Katharine Kolcaba’s, The Comfort Theory. In an effort to address why the profession of nursing needs theory, it is important to identify the purpose and importance of theory in general. Not only does nursing theory need to demonstrate the progress of the profession itself, but nursing theory needs to be meaningful and applicable to our current practice. Many authors have somewhat different opinions of what nursing theory actually means, but the general consensus seems to support the fact that it is a set of clearly defined concepts and values.
Compare and Contrast Two Nursing Theorists Callista Roy’s model is that of adaptation, which is an ever-changing point made up of different stimuli tailored to each individual and their specific needs. Dorothea Orem’s model is self-care, which is a human function that is deliberate in providing the necessary means for a productive and healthy life and development. These theories guide nurses to use the power of observation and interpersonal skills in doing an individualized assessment of each patient. NURSING THEORISTS WORKSHEET Nursing Theorist | Theoretical Framework (metaparadigm) | Theory Summary | Application to Nursing Practice | Nightingale, Florence | Environmental theory, Theory of practice | Ventilation, light, warmth, and noise level are essential in creating a safe environment for patients. Nightingale believed in treating the person itself and not just the disease.
Analysis of Nursing Practice: Standards, Laws and Ethics Nursing is a multi-faceted and evolving profession defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as “The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (ANA, 2010, p. 1). I am obligated to patients and society, expected to practice within the scope and standards of the nursing profession, abide by the nursing code of ethics, and state laws. Nurses are required to be competent in their roles and grow with the evolution of health care. The expectation is to maintain and develop professional and clinical skills, participate in education, and analyze our competencies through objective and subjective data. (ANA, 2010 p. 80) This essay will analyze my role within the nursing profession.
Nurses need to become proactive in their education and in developing their leadership skills to remain competitive in their changing roles. Evidence-Based Practice The use of evidence- based practice dates back to Florence Nightingale, when she noted the cleanliness of the environment had a direct impact on health. Unfortunately, the trend of evidence- based practice (EBP) did not continue, it was not until the 1970s that EBP was reintroduced (Blais & Hayes, p. 184, 2011). The use of EBP is beneficial not only to the nurse, but also to the health care facility and to the patient. Nurses will be held more accountable for their actions; they will need to explain why they deviated from the proven method.
Implementing EBP in nursing care establishes who they are, what they do, and what effect they have on patient outcomes (Overholt, 2004). All nurses have the responsibility to delivering the best care that will deliver the best outcomes to the patient. Evidence-based practice serves as a framework of how to prevent or treat common issues seen in clinical practice. The process of implementing EBP into clinical practice is accomplished by a series of steps or
Nurse managers must not only fulfill their daily responsibilities, they must lead the change demanded that will secure a bright future for American health care. The Nurse Manager Inventory Tool captures the skills and behaviors that are envisioned for the successful nurse manager. This inventory allows the nurse manager to perform a self-evaluation that can be paired with the nurse manager’s supervisor’s assessment to create an individualized professional development plan. The inventory is based on the three domain model initially developed by three national nursing associations1. The successful nurse manager must gain expertise in all three domains.