Theories Guiding Nursing Practice

Theories Guiding Nursing Practice

Introduction

In its ideal definition, a theory refers to a view, guiding principle, or guideline recommended or adhered to as the base of a given action. As such, nursing models and theories are integral in shaping the parameters of individualized-centered care delivery. Without these theories in place, the nursing practice would fail to have a linear focus, i.e., an organic emphasis placed on patients and the treatment of health-related needs. This means that healthcare facilities that want to be accredited to Magnet status ought to recognize that nursing theories provide a framework for evidence-based practice. The following proposal aims to present valuable insights from various theories and how they can aid in advancing the mission of the facility as a leading provider of evidence-based practice.

Health Promotion Model

Postulated by Dr. Nola Pender in 1983, the health promotion model emphasizes three major facets: patient experiences and features, behavior-aligned thoughts and affect, and behavioral outcomes. The initial facet analyzes the notion that every person possesses their individual set of features, experiences, and expectations that aid in shaping the actions of the nurses. Pender suggested that an individual’s past actions have a direct association with their ability to engage in future health-promotion behaviors. Individual traits alongside behaviors may also act as barriers to behaviors that facilitate health promotion (Butts & Rich, 2018, p.48).

The second facet encompasses the thoughts and effects linked to behavior that has implications on the motivation of an individual to change. Thus, the theorist postulated that nursing interventions ought to be personalized to these elements to help in fostering positive behavioral changes. Some of the elements that should be taken into consideration include observed merits alongside hindrances of self-confidence among individuals.  Ultimately, the last facet entails behavioral outcomes. The realization of the outcomes commences with an individual pledging to implement the necessary steps to initiate a change. In such instances, nurses must address the barriers to support the individual in realizing positive outcomes. Essentially, the goal of this theory is to inspire a behavioral change that initiates a positive outcome in health (Dyrstad, 2021).

Theory of Human Caring

Watson postulates that human caring consists of curative factors. As such, some of the curative factors listed by the theorists included the formation of a humanistic-altruistic value system, faith-hope installation, and cultivation of sensitivity. Other curative factors suggested by Watson include the development of a provider-patient relationship anchored on trust, promotion of expression of feeling, decision-making based on problem-solving and critical thinking,  teaching-learning promotion within a clinical setting, the facilitation of a supportive environment, and assisting with human needs gratification.  The first three curative factors offer the framework for the art and science of caring (Butts & Rich, 2018, p.103).

Watson’s theory is based on four major concepts: the individual, health, the environment, and nursing. Watson defines an individual as a respected entity that should be taken care of, appreciated, supported, understood, and aided; the philosophical perception of an individual as a fully useful unified self. Hence, individuals are perceived as being bigger than the sum of their parts. The well-being of an individual encompasses a significant level of physical well-being, mental well-being, and social purpose. Essentially, this absence of illness or the processes culminates in the absence of illness (Watson, 2018).

Ultimately, Watson affirmed that the nursing process resonates with the scientific process, whereby the initial phase involves assessment. The assessment stage entails making observations to identify the existence of a given problem and, as such, the construction of a hypothesis. The subsequent process is the formulation of a care plan to conclude how elements are to be analyzed alongside how data ought to be collected. The last step is the intervention, i.e., the execution of an established plan as well as the evaluation of the outcome (Watson, 2018).

Recommendation

As an organization, it is paramount that we move away from the one-size-fits-all approach of care to holistic and individualized-centered care. Holistic nursing is the practice of nursing that emphasizes healing the whole individual. This practice recognizes the fact that an individual is not simply his or her illness. As such, holism addresses the interlink of the body, mind, spirit, society, emotions, relationships, and the environment. Even though Watson provides a valuable guide for initiating care, it is worth noting that the theory largely focuses on the care of the physical body, which is a rather conventional approach to care (Murdaugh, 2018).  Nonetheless, Pender’s health promotion model places emphasis on the connection between patients and their environment.  It is paramount that nurses and other members of the allied healthcare professionals ensure that patients participate in the whole care process right from the assessment phase to the evaluation phase.  Besides, the health promotion model is ideal as it emphasizes the primary prevention of diseases and illnesses before they occur. Hence, to fully adopt evidence-based practice within the organization, the medical and clinical staff must familiarize themselves with the health promotion model.

 Conclusion

Conclusively, nursing theories are an inextricable component of a nurse’s professional life, irrespective of the patient care specialization. These theories offer guidance on how clinicians may be able to implement evidence-based practice within the organization and as such, enhance the quality of care within the organization.

References

Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2018). Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Dyrstad, D. (2021). Value of Simulating Holistic Nursing Care: A Quantitative Study. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 54, 113-120.

Murdaugh, C. (2018). Health promotion in nursing practice. Pearson Education Canada.

Watson, J. (2018). Caring science or science of caring. Nursing Science Quarterly, 31(1), 66-71.

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Purpose
A nursing theory provides a framework for evidence-based nursing practice and the pursuit of new knowledge.

Course Competency
Identify the major concepts of selected nursing theories

Theories Guiding Nursing Practice

Instructions
Scenario: You are working as a Registered Nurse at a local hospital that has recently changed ownership. The new hospital owners are committed to a culture that embraces evidence-based practice (EBP) and utilizes EBP as a guide for their policies and procedures. The focus on evidence-based practice can be seen as part of the hospital’s mission statement and local advertising campaign, which states, “Evidence-based practice: The key to advancing quality and safety in healthcare.” The hospital’s mission includes the statement: “…to be the healthcare center of choice, through superior clinical outcomes, evidence-based practice-driven protocols, and the advancement of practice utilizing formal and continuing education.”The hospital leadership team has shared that they are beginning the process of applying for Magnet status as a healthcare facility. They have asked for volunteers to serve on a sub-committee to select a nursing theorist as a framework that will be used to guide nursing practice. You have been asked to research the various nursing theorists and select two to present to the leadership team.

Content:

From the list provided, select two nursing theorists. Prepare a written proposal that compares and contrasts the two theories and makes a recommendation for which theory would be a better fit for the facility. Please include the following in your proposal: Identify the two selected theorists and briefly summarize each theory. Compare and contrast the two selected theories. Formulate a recommendation for the theorist that best aligns to the facility.

List
Competency: Identify the major concepts of selected nursing theories.

Select two nursing theorists from the following list to compare and contrast:
• Jean Watson
• Patricia Benner
• Myra Estrin Levine
• Martha Rogers
• Dorothy Johnson
• Betty Neuman
• Imogene King
• Hildegard Peplau
• Margret Newman
• Nola Pender
• Rosemary Rizzo Parse

Format:

Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.)
Logical, original, and insightful
Professional organization, style, and mechanics in APA format