NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing-Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing  assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing                  

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing  depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing                  

The introduction for the Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing                  

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing  assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing                  

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing                  

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing Included After Question

Sample Answer for NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing Included After Question

For many students enrolled in NR501, this is an initial course for nursing theory.  So, let’s have a debate!!!  Is nursing theory important to the nursing profession?  If you believe that it is important, explain why it is useful.  If you do not believe that it is useful, explain why nursing theory is not necessary to the profession?  Be sure to provide an example that demonstrates your opinion and a scholarly reference (not using the required textbook or lesson) which supports your opinion. 

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

The Theory of Shared Communication (TSC), describes the process of communication between parents of hospitalized technology dependent children and their nurses (Giambra, Broome, Sabourin, Buelow & Stiffler, 2017). Technology dependent children are those that rely on a medical device and require ongoing medical care. Nurses and parents must have effective communication with one another to form a partnership to achieve the best possible plan of care for the child. The concepts included in the TSC model include: respect, communication acts such as listening and asking, functions and outcomes that make up the communication process, and the mutual understanding of the child’s plan of care (Giambra, Broome, Sabourin, Buelow & Stiffler, 2017).   

These concepts are what facilitate communication with the nurses and parents of patients resulting in improved patient care. The TSC is a way for nurses to determine the parents understanding of the child’s needs and comfort, and a way to assess barriers to optimal care for a child (Giambra, Broome, Sabourin, Buelow & Stiffler, 2017). Through this theory, the understanding of communication has been enhanced through integration of nurse perspectives and parent verification of the TSC. One of the concepts in this theory stick out to me as being extremely important and that is the communication acts of listening and asking. Too often it seems as nurses, and as humans, we tend to do one more than the other. If we took the time to listen effectively and ask questions there would be much less confusion and less mistakes that are made resulting in improved patient care and satisfaction. 

This theory represents the concepts that make up effective communication in the medical field. As a nurse, and a future advanced practice nurse, we will be speaking with parents, spouses, family members, and providers. Having effective communication will improve patient care and enhance relationships between providers and family members. The TSC shows components that all levels of healthcare can use to facilitate effective communication and improved patient care throughout the health care system. 

Based on the required readings for this week, previous lessons and experience as a nurse, it is evident that nursing theory is necessary for nurses to offer quality care and navigate patient needs in the ever transforming and complex nursing profession. Nursing theory provides a framework that guides the nursing practice in using concepts and relationships in patient evaluations and interventions (Butts & Rich, 2018). If nursing practice lacked theory, possibly, there will be loss of separation and clear distinction of the profession. Society has historically considered nursing as a vocational occupation and not a profession where nurses are expected to carry orders by physicians and clinical officers, especially in developing countries, without any form of accountability. However, through the development of theory as proposed by Nightingale in her notes over a century back, nursing is now an evolving profession and academic discipline as well as a science. Pioneers in the profession established nursing theories and models to emphasize the role of nursing profession in enhancing patient outcomes and quality healthcare delivery. Nurses possess critical thinking and scientific knowledge as well as ideas that they can use to improve patient care delivery (Gilbert, 2020). They can develop individualized interventions focused on health promotion, disease prevention and long-term care for patients with terminal conditions.

Nursing theories help to instill identity in nurses, enabling patients and other healthcare providers and professionals as well as managers to appreciate nurses’ roles and individual contributions to healthcare promotion and patient quality care. Nursing theories allow nurses to offer patient-centered care, utilize evidence-based practice interventions in health promotion, and development of professional values and work ethics to attain better patient outcomes (Younas & Quennell, 2019). Nursing theory empowers nurses to understand the transforming health system, address the expanding care demand and improve professional knowledge and skills to attain better patient care. Evidence shows that the use of theory provides structure and organization to nursing knowledge and offers a systemic means of collecting information and data to describe, explain, and predict trends that will shape the nursing practice like the increased of health technologies through telemedicine among others.

NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing References

Butts, B. J. & Rich, L. K. (2018). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing

practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Gilbert, H. A. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and its influence on

contemporary infection control. Collegian, 27(6), 626–633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.09.006

Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an integrative

review. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences, 33(3), 540-555.

DOI: 10.1111/scs.12670.

Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our Verified MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

I do believe that theory in nursing is very important. Theory has been a part of nursing since the time Florence Nightingale began to change and develop procedures and explanations as to why nurses do what they do. A theory is defined as “a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena” (Theory [Def. 1], n.d.) Theory in nursing has been an ever-evolving topic. Expanding on reasoning for what we do, why we do stuff, and what affects we do have on our patients. Peplau was a theorist who developed the theory of interpersonal relationships. Explaining the interactions with the patient as it evolves into a more therapeutic relationship. The nurse and patient start off as strangers in the orientation phase and progress to the exploitation phase where the nurse and patient interact and finally the resolution phase when the care has been provided and the relationship at that time is terminated. This theory is a foundation of each interaction we have with our patients starting the moment that we get our assignment. Peplau “enabled the nurse to begin to move away from the disease model orientation to one where the psychological meaning of events, feelings and behaviors could be explored and incorporated into nursing interventions” (Adams, 2017).

As nurses at the bedside we don’t often think too much about how we are using every day. As explained above the most common theory that has been developed and explained is the foundation to how we interact during the day. There are countless numbers of theories out there that we function based on, but don’t always know it. As identified by Sheri Jacobson, the best way to help nurses make the connection between theory and practice is by helping nurses make the connection using real example of practice (2017). An example she gave was of a nurse who is providing teaching for a patient on how to care for themselves when they leave (i.e. dressing changes, medication administration, exercises, etc.). Without theory in our practice we would have no foundation to go from to guide our practice and care methods.

NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing References:

Adams, L. (2017). Peplau’s Contributions to Psychiatric and Nursing Knowledge. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from http://jmhan.org/index.php/JMHAN/article/view/3

Jacobson, S. (2017). Building Bridges from Theory to Practice: Nursing Theory for Clinical Nurses. Med-Surg Matters, 26(3), 1-15.

Theory [Def. 1]. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved December 26,2017, from http://www.dictionary.com/browse/theory.

A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

Based on the required readings for this week, previous lessons and experience as a nurse, it is evident

that nursing theory is necessary for nurses to offer quality care and navigate patient needs in the ever transforming and complex nursing profession. Nursing theory provides a framework that guides the nursing practice in using concepts and relationships in patient evaluations and interventions (Butts & Rich, 2018). If nursing practice lacked theory, possibly, there will be loss of separation and clear distinction of the profession. Society has historically considered nursing as a vocational occupation and not a profession where nurses are expected to carry orders by physicians and clinical officers, especially in developing countries, without any form of accountability. However, through the development of theory as proposed by Nightingale in her notes over a century back, nursing is now an evolving profession and academic discipline as well as a science. Pioneers in the profession established nursing theories and models to emphasize the role of nursing profession in enhancing patient outcomes and quality healthcare delivery. Nurses possess critical thinking and scientific knowledge as well as ideas that they can use to improve patient care delivery (Gilbert, 2020). They can develop individualized interventions focused on health promotion, disease prevention and long-term care for patients with terminal conditions.

Nursing theories help to instill identity in nurses, enabling patients and other healthcare providers and professionals as well as managers to appreciate nurses’ roles and individual contributions to healthcare promotion and patient quality care. Nursing theories allow nurses to offer patient-centered care, utilize evidence-based practice interventions in health promotion, and development of professional values and work ethics to attain better patient outcomes (Younas & Quennell, 2019). Nursing theory empowers nurses to understand the transforming health system, address the expanding care demand and improve professional knowledge and skills to attain better patient care. Evidence shows that the use of theory provides structure and organization to nursing knowledge and offers a systemic means of collecting information and data to describe, explain, and predict trends that will shape the nursing practice like the increased of health technologies through telemedicine among others.

NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing References

Butts, B. J. & Rich, L. K. (2018). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing

practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Gilbert, H. A. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and its influence on

contemporary infection control. Collegian, 27(6), 626–633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.09.006

Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an integrative

review. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences, 33(3), 540-555.

DOI: 10.1111/scs.12670.

NR501NP-10808

Week 1: Nursing Theory (Orig Post Due Wednesday, Responses Due Sunday)

This is a graded discussion: 75 points possible

Purpose

The purpose of the graded collaborative discussions is to engage faculty and students in an interactive dialogue to assist the student in organizing, integrating, applying, and critically appraising knowledge regarding advanced nursing practice. Scholarly information obtained from credible sources as well as professional communication are required. Application of information to professional experiences promotes the analysis and use of principles, knowledge, and information learned and related to real-life professional situations. Meaningful dialogue among faculty and students fosters the development of a learning community as ideas, perspectives, and knowledge are shared.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate logical and creative thinking in the analysis and application of a theory to nursing practice. (PO 2 and 5) Weeks 2, 6

Examine broad theoretical concepts as foundational to advanced nursing practice roles. (PO 1 and 2) Weeks 1, 2, 4

Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to the components, relationship among the components, and application to advanced nursing practice. (PO 1) Weeks 4, 6

Due Date:

A 10% late penalty will be imposed for discussions posted after the deadline on Wednesday, regardless of the number of days late. NOTHING will be accepted after 11:59pm MT on Sunday (i.e. student will receive an automatic 0). Week 8 discussion closes on Saturday at 11:59pm MT.

Total Points Possible:  75

Requirements:

Discussion Criteria

Application of Course Knowledge: The student post contributes unique perspectives or insights gleaned from personal experience or examples from the healthcare field. The student must accurately and fully discuss the topic for the week in addition to providing personal or professional examples. The student must completely answer the entire initial question.

Engagement in Meaningful Dialogue: The student responds to a student peer and course faculty to further dialogue.

Peer Response: The student responds substantively to at least one topic-related post by a student peer. A substantive post adds content or insights or asks a question that will add to the learning experience and/or generate discussion.

A post of “I agree” with a repeat of the other student’s post does not count as a substantive post. A collection of shallow posts does not equal a substantive post.

The peer response must occur on a separate day from the initial posting.

The peer response must occur before Sunday, 11:59 p.m. MT.

Faculty Response: The student responds substantively to at least one question by course faculty. The faculty question may be directed to the student, to another student, or to the entire class.

A post of “I agree” with a repeat of the faculty’s post does not count as a substantive post. A collection of shallow posts does not equal a substantive post.

The faculty response must occur on a separate day from the initial posting.

Integration of Evidence: The student post provides support from a minimum of one scholarly in-text citation with a matching reference and assigned readings or online lessons, per discussion topic per week.

What is a scholarly resource? A scholarly resource is one that comes from a professional, peer-reviewed publication (e.g., journals and government reports such as those from the FDA or CDC).

Contains references for sources cited

Written by a professional or scholar in the field and indicates credentials of the author(s)

Is no more than 5 years old for clinical or research articles

What is not considered a scholarly resource?

Newspaper articles and layperson literature (e.g., Readers Digest, Healthy Life Magazine, Food, and Fitness)

Information from Wikipedia  or any wiki

Textbooks

Website homepages

The weekly lesson

Articles in healthcare and nursing-oriented trade magazines, such as Nursing Made Incredibly Easy and RNMagazine (Source: What is a scholarly article.docx; Created 06/09 CK/CL  Revised: 02/17/11,  09/02/11  nlh/clm)

Can the lesson for the week be used as a scholarly source?

Information from the weekly lesson can be cited in a posting; however, it is not to be the sole source used in the post.

Are resources provided from CU acceptable sources (e.g., the readings for the week)?

Not as a sole source within the post. The textbook and/or assigned (required) articles for the week can be used, but another outside source must be cited for full credit. Textbooks are not considered scholarly sources for the purpose of discussions.

Are websites acceptable as scholarly resources for discussions?

Yes, if they are documents or data cited from credible websites. Credible websites usually end in .gov or .edu; however, some .org sites that belong to professional associations (e.g., American Heart Association, National League for Nursing, American Diabetes Association) are also considered credible websites. Websites ending with .com are not to be used as scholarly resources.

Professionalism in Communication: The post presents information in logical, meaningful, and understandable sequence, and is clearly relevant to the discussion topic. Grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation are accurate.

Wednesday Participation Requirement: The student provides a substantive response to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course faculty (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week.

Total Participation Requirement: The student provides at least three substantive posts (one to the initial question or topic, one to a student peer, and one to a faculty question) on two different days during the week.

Preparing the Assignment

For many students enrolled in NR501, this is an initial course for nursing theory. So, let’s have a debate. Is nursing theory important to the nursing profession? In particular, is it important for nurse practitioners? Does theory inform nurse practitioner practice? If you believe that it is important, explain why it is useful. If you do not believe that it is useful, explain why nursing theory is not necessary to the profession?

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

Based on the required readings for this week, previous lessons and experience as a nurse, it is evident that nursing theory is necessary for nurses to offer quality care and navigate patient needs in the ever transforming and complex nursing profession. Nursing theory provides a framework that guides the nursing practice in using concepts and relationships in patient evaluations and interventions (Butts & Rich, 2018). If nursing practice lacked theory, possibly, there will be loss of separation and clear distinction of the profession. Society has historically considered nursing as a vocational occupation and not a profession where nurses are expected to carry orders by physicians and clinical officers, especially in developing countries, without any form of accountability. However, through the development of theory as proposed by Nightingale in her notes over a century back, nursing is now an evolving profession and academic discipline as well as a science. Pioneers in the profession established nursing theories and models to emphasize the role of nursing profession in enhancing patient outcomes and quality healthcare delivery. Nurses possess critical thinking and scientific knowledge as well as ideas that they can use to improve patient care delivery (Gilbert, 2020). They can develop individualized interventions focused on health promotion, disease prevention and long-term care for patients with terminal conditions.

Nursing theories help to instill identity in nurses, enabling patients and other healthcare providers and professionals as well as managers to appreciate nurses’ roles and individual contributions to healthcare promotion and patient quality care. Nursing theories allow nurses to offer patient-centered care, utilize evidence-based practice interventions in health promotion, and development of professional values and work ethics to attain better patient outcomes (Younas & Quennell, 2019). Nursing theory empowers nurses to understand the transforming health system, address the expanding care demand and improve professional knowledge and skills to attain better patient care. Evidence shows that the use of theory provides structure and organization to nursing knowledge and offers a systemic means of collecting information and data to describe, explain, and predict trends that will shape the nursing practice like the increased of health technologies through telemedicine among others.

NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing References

Butts, B. J. & Rich, L. K. (2018). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing

practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Gilbert, H. A. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and its influence on

contemporary infection control. Collegian, 27(6), 626–633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.09.006

Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an integrative

review. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences, 33(3), 540-555.

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

Many nurses would classify theory in nursing to be mainly academic in nature without any application to the field itself.  However, there is a relationship to the practice of nursing indeed.  Nursing theories do have a useful way that nurses can apply them.  For example, in triage nursing, there is a decision-making process of sorting and placing patients into categories and levels of acuity.  The triage nurse has to create a quick assessment that would focus on which patient needs priority versus another patient that does not need immediate attention (Reay & Rankin, 2013).  The application of theory to triage decision-making is summarized by type of theory: grand, middle range, or situation specific.  The level of context (triage environment) is low, medium and high, respectively (Reay & Rankin, 2013).

Another interesting part of this article was regarding the mention of a group of researchers who developed a model called the recognition primed decision (RPD) model.  This was a model that was used as a guide understand the decision-making process of individuals that work in fields involving rapid decision-making an high pressure situations with limited time available.  Some of these fields included nuclear power plant operators, airline pilots and nurses (Reay & Rankin, 2013).

NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing References

Reay, G., & Rankin, J. A. (2013). Review: The application of theory to triage decision-making. International Emergency Nursing, 21, 97-102. doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2012.03.010

DOI: 10.1111/scs.12670.

DISCUSSION CONTENT

Category

Points

%

Description

Application of Course Knowledge:

20

27

Answers the initial discussion question(s)/topic(s), demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the concepts for the week.

Engagement in Meaningful Dialogue With Peers and Faculty

20

27

Responds to a student peer and course faculty furthering the dialogue by providing more information and clarification, adding depth to the conversation

Integration of Evidence

20

27

Assigned readings or online lesson and at least one outside scholarly source are included. The scholarly source is:

• Evidence-based, 2) scholarly in nature, 3) published within the last 5 years

60

81%

Total CONTENT Points= 60 pts

DISCUSSION FORMAT

Category

Points

%

Description

Grammar and Communication

8

10

Presents information using clear and concise language in an organized manner

Reference Citation

7

9

References have complete information as required by APA

In-text citations included for all references  and references included for all in-text citation

15

19%

Total FORMAT Points= 15 pts

DISCUSSION TOTAL= 75 points

**To see view the grading criteria/rubric, please click on the 3 dots in the box at the end of the solid gray bar above the discussion board title and then Show Rubric.

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

In nursing caring for others is a necessity.  As Watson explains in her theory, “core of nursing,”  it is important  as a medical professional to know what interventions and care tactics that can be implemented to make a patient more comfortable during  certain situations.  As nurses we typically already do these things subconsciously without technically knowing we are following a certain theorist.  I do agree with you that it comes as a natural instinct in nursing for us to already be thinking about interventions to help the patients we are taking care of.  I also agree with you that the interpersonal relationship between the healthcare provider, nurse and patient care are very important and must work together for a better patient outcome.  I would have to do some more research on theories that involve that to see if there is anything I can incorporate in my career at this time.

Florence Nightingale came up with the nursing theory in 1859. Nightingale distinguished the difference between the nursing profession and the medical profession. She felt like nurses should use their critical thinking skills to promote positive patient outcomes (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Nursing theory is important to the nursing profession because a career as a nurse is not like that of a retail or factory job. While these jobs are important, in those scenarios, the worker is brought in and given on-the-job training. It is important for the nurse to know nursing theory and to know why he/she is in the nursing profession because nurses are dealing directly with patients’ lives. One mistake could be devastating to the patient’s life. It is important for nurse practitioners to know nursing theory because this helps the nurse practitioner with advancement in education and better practice in the future of medicine. Change is constantly happening in the medical field as researchers are finding out more and more information, and the nurse practitioner is responsible for keeping up with the latest advancements in healthcare to improve patient outcomes. The nurse practitioner is held to a higher standard than that of a Registered Nurse and is expected to have a higher competency level. I believe that theory definitely does inform the practice of a nurse practitioner. The reason I believe this is because as a nurse practitioner, it is important to keep up with research, and new evidence-based literature and continue to try to improve patient outcomes. It is useful as technology seems to keep evolving every year, and the more we learn, the more we grow and can help patients to have more positive outcomes (Hansen & Dysvik, 2022).

Nursing theory is important to the nursing profession, including nurse practitioners. Nurse theories provide a framework and structure for nursing practice. They offer a systematic way of thinking about patient care, helping nurse practitioners make informed decisions and provide high-quality care. Nursing theories help standardize and unify nursing practice (Younas & Quennell, 2019). They provide a common language and foundation for nurses to communicate and collaborate effectively. This is particularly important in interdisciplinary healthcare professionals. The study of nursing theories encourages critical thinking and reflection. Nurse practitioners can use these theories to critically evaluate their practice, identify improvement areas, and adapt to changing healthcare environments. In summary, nursing theory is valuable to the nursing profession, including nurse practitioners, as it provides a foundation for practice, fosters critical thinking, and guides ethical, evidence-based care. However, it should be seen as a tool to enhance practice rather than a rigid set of rules, and it should be integrated with clinical expertise to provide the best possible patient care.

Younas, A.,& Quennell, S., (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory-guided practice: an integrative review. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12670Links to an external site.

As we have learned at the undergraduate level, Nursing is a Noble Profession, as equally as any other field of discipline, which is not merely focused on the care of physical or pathological problems but also on treating and curing the different dimensions of health, such psychological, spiritual, behavioral, sociological and economical and many more.

Nursing theories are critical to the nursing profession because the theories act as the framework for providing patient-centered care via various nursing skills, knowledge, and critical thinking in diverse healthcare settings. According to Florence Nightingale`s Environmental Theory, a nursing theory is an essential part of creating safe environments that help to promote good healing, good health, well-being, and good patient outcomes, along with the opportunity for continued development to keep in step with changing patient and global needs (Gilbert, 2020).

Incorporating the patient environment into the daily nursing care plan has continued its great importance in the 21st century in both inpatient and outpatient settings. For example, implementing fall precautions in the hospital, like clearing any clutter, organizing bedside tables, personal belongings, call light, and bed alarm, and reducing glare and noises to those with tetanus or increased ICP, will alleviate seizures and calm them in both settings.

As nursing has been growing and advancing in multispecialty for decades, a Nurse Practitioner must be empowered with the various nursing theories to fully and effectively implement the knowledge and experiences retained through the multiple courses/ learning. Nursing theories improve the quality of nursing practice, aid in planning and intervention of patient care, define what nurses do and why they do it, and provide a framework to organize their training. Nurses should continue to guide their nursing practice through the lens of nursing theories and should continue to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing theory-guided practice (Younas & Quennell 2019).

Ultimately, for an advanced Nurse Practitioner, it is the best time and opportunity for the practitioner to fully experience the art and science of nursing individually in the client’s best interest.

Gilbert, H.A. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and its influence on

           Contemporary infection control. Collegian,27(6),626-633

Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory-guided practice: integrative

          review. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences, 33(3), 540–555.

https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12670

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NR 501 Week 1 Discussion Importance of Theory in Nursing

Title:  NR 501 Week 1 Discussion: Importance of Theory in Nursing

Great job on your post this week. I completely agree with your thoughts regarding the importance of nursing theory. In my opinion, having a strong foundation in understanding the rationales behind certain procedures and policies helps nurses to be well-rounded in providing effective care to their patients. I also agree it is important for nurses to have this knowledge so that they are not allowing their own beliefs and feelings to impede in their patient’s care. As nurse practitioners, being able to act on evidence-based practice is extremely critical as well because it allows them to have the research to support their knowledge and skills. It’s been proven that there is an increase in patient satisfaction, treatment compliance as well as patient communication between providers when health-related information is adequate (de Leon-Demare et al, 2015). If I were a patient, I would feel much more comfortable under the care of a provider who has the ability to explain why he/she is performing a practice in a particular way. Knowledge certainly goes a long way and it’s important to not overlook the smaller details like the theory behind nursing when continuing through this journey of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Keep up the good work. 

I love how you threw in a little bit of history regarding nursing theories in your post with mentioning Florence Nightingale and the contributions she made in the nursing world!! I agree that nursing theory is crucial in both registered nursing and nurse practitioner positions. I also love how you explained that nursing is a completely different field compared to retail jobs. There is room for error in retail jobs, however, in the nursing profession, failure to utilize the nursing framework can result in making errors which can negatively impact the patients health. Additionally, retail jobs are trained in-house without prior need of knowledge regarding that career path. In nursing, you go through the educational portion, clinical portion, board exams, and license securement prior to obtaining a job. Although you still get on-site training pertaining to the specialty in the nursing profession, prior knowledge and basic foundations are mandated. I agree in your standpoint of emphasizing the importance of using the nursing theory to better patient care as well as continuing to be up-to-date as healthcare is ever-changing. In utilizing the nursing theory, not only will you be informed on new practices and policies, but also enhance skill sets you’ve already secured throughout the process of securing your license.