Nursing is a professional discipline.
Nursing theory establishes the practice of nursing as a profession, a discipline and a science. Nursing theory has many useful purposes for the practice, such as assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation and in directing nursing research.
Assessment
Assessment involves the process of gathering information about the patient. This would include taking a history and asking some questions about their health, such as rating their pain. It also involves taking vital signs, observing behavior and physical manifestations.
Planning
Establishing a plan of care is essential. It refers to setting goals for patient outcomes and deciding upon a set of nursing actions in order to achieve them. Some examples might be relieve pain by giving pain medications as needed or to bear partial weight by discharge by assisting and encouraging the patient to stand and ambulate. The goals always must have a measurable outcome.
Implementation
Implementation in nursing refers to the process of carrying out a plan of patient care through the execution of a set of specific nursing actions. This includes delegating responsibility. Administering treatment and patient teaching are also examples of implementation.
Evaluation
Evaluation requires the nurse to determine whether goals of patient care have been met and if adjustments need to be made. This involves consultations with other members of the health care team. It also involves the patient. Evaluation subsequently leads back into assessment and planning.
Research
Nursing theory is a useful guide for the profession as it helps determine and establish known phenomena and encourages the formulation of questions for further study. In this way, it influences the direction and uniformity of nursing practice.
Tags: Nursing theory, also involves, assessment planning, goals patient, nursing actions, patient care