Nursing theory is a key to understanding patients' needs.
Nursing theory is a general term, according to Marilyn Parker in "Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice," which describes and explains the "phenomena of interest," meaning patient symptoms and care, to nursing. Nursing theory provides understanding for the nurse practitioner (NP) to use in actual practice and clinical research. Nursing theory has many applications, which reflect the various areas of specialty in professional nursing, in the pursuit of delivering quality patient care.
Types
According to Parker, there are 3 main types of nursing theories: "grand," which are built on general constructions about the nature and goals of nursing and is intended to be pertinent to all instances in nursing; "middle range," which are oriented to nursing practice, theory-based research and NP strategies; "nursing practice," which are oriented to issues and questions in particular practice settings and populations, stressing the impact and day-to-day experiences of the NP.
Function
The function of nursing theory, as described by Afaf Meleis in "Theoretical Nursing," is the conceptualization of some aspect of reality that pertains to nursing. This conceptualization is articulated for the purpose of describing, explaining, predicting and prescribing nursing care. Parker, more simply, explains the functions of nursing theory as to guide thinking, provide structure for the enhancement of nursing scholarship, and define the place of nursing in health and illness care.
Effects
According to Peggy Chinn in "Advances in Nursing Theory Development," nursing theories are sets of concepts, definitions and propositions which address the "Metaparadigm." The "Metaparadigm" refers to 3 elements of nursing theory: principles and laws, which are oriented to the "life process," well-being and optimum function; behavior, which addresses normal and critical life situations; and positive changes in the patient's health status. Therefore, nursing theory has an impact on the patient, the health environment and the NP.
Benefits
According to Meleis, there are several beneficial uses of nursing theory. Nursing theory provides a solid starting point for research and a frame of reference for patient assessment, diagnosis and intervention. It renders nursing practice more efficient and effective. Nursing theory provides a "common ground" for communication between the NP and the rest of the health care team providing patient care. It supports the "professional autonomy" and accountability of the NP. It also helps to identify the focus, means and goals of the NP.
Practical Value
Perhaps the greatest value of the development of nursing theory is that it solidified the NP as a viable member of the health-care team which delivers quality patient care. Nursing theory, with its collection of evidence and data, has allowed the NP to move from being one who simply carried out the physician's orders to a health-care provider with valuable input in patient treatment. Due, in large part, to the development of nursing theory, nursing practice now encompasses a marked academic element, in addition to the primary concern of patient care.
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