discussion 1

Discussion 1.1: Models and Theories in Nursing

Like the character in this case study, I too was once skeptical about taking courses about theory and research. However, over time and through my nursing practice I have been able to appreciate the importance of being educated on these subject matters to become a better nurse. As Matt learned, the development of nursing theories has changed over time and is very relevant to nursing students. By understanding how nursing theory has grown and advanced, nurses are able to relate this background information to their work and improve the profession of nursing as a whole. 

To begin, models and theories have helped get nursing to where it is today. These frameworks are very important as they provide the foundation for the profession and allow those practicing to continue to evolve and accumulate knowledge throughout the years. By creating theories and models, nurses were able to outline why this job is needed and what sets it apart from other medical professions that have already been established (McEwen & Willis, 2019). Wayne (2021) explains that nursing theories are organized bodies of knowledge to define what nursing is, what nurses do, and why they do it. Additionally, they express objectives and predictions for the future as they are utilized to impact practice, teaching, and evidence-based research.

For a theory to be valued and successful, it has to make an impact, be applicable, logical, and comprehendible (McEwen & Willis, 2019). The components of a strong theory include concepts, definitions, and assumptions, along with an explanation of how each aspect connects (Wayne, 2021). And in order for a theory to be related to nursing, it should include the components of the nursing metaparadigm. The nursing metaparadigm consists of the person, health, environment, and nursing. Each of these plays an extremely vital role in our practice and nursing as a discipline (McEwen & Willis, 2019).

As previously mentioned, the concept of nursing theory has developed greatly over the last few decades. It assists current practicing professionals and those that want to further their education. Originally, nursing was thought of a just completing tasks under other medical professionals. It was not until the 1850s that nursing theory developed. Back during this time, Florence Nightingale was known to be the first nurse theorist. She used nursing theory to provide nurses with a distinct role and identity, as well as educate others on how to provide care for patients. As the decades progressed, models and theories were then applied to start schools, educate, and teach training. Yet, as healthcare continues to change, so does nursing. And now, theories are being utilized to expand knowledge and clinical research (Stolley et al., 2000). Today, theories are being put to the test to advance research and practice. Nurses want to feel empowered and ensure that patient outcomes improve and that the best quality care is being provided. 

Ultimately, nursing theories have created mechanisms by which nurses could communicate professional convictions, provide moral and ethical structure to guide actions, and foster a means of systematic thinking about nursing and its practice (McEwen & Willis, 2019). By being keeping an open mind and being educated on existing challenges, nurses can grow and be encouraged to impact the future. By doing this, Matt was able to profit and see the benefit that theory could have on his nursing career. 

References:

McEwen, M., & Wills, E.M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott. Williams & Wilkins. ISBN-13: 978-1496351203

Stolley, J. M., Buckwalter, K. C., & Garand, L. (2000). The Evolution of Nursing Research. Journal of the neuromusculoskeletal system : JNMS : a journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Inc. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6739074/ (Links to an external site.). 

Wayne, G. (2021, March 5). Nursing Theories and Theorists: An Ultimate Guide for Nurses. Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/nursing-theories/#:~:text=Four%20major%20concepts%20are%20frequently,m

this is the assignment :

Read the following in your Theoretical Basis for Nursing textbook:

• Chapter 1, “Philosophy, Science, and Nursing”
• Chapter 2, Overview of Theory in Nursing

The first chapters of the book describe the history of nursing knowledge and nursing theory. Many of you may have been introduced to nursing theory in your undergraduate degree. However, you may remember the reading and the concepts may be difficult to understand. This topic is not as difficult as you might think. Keep reading and ask lots of questions.

Additional Required Resources:

Read the following article:

• Carper, B. A. (1978). Fundamental patterns of knowing in nursing (PDF) (Links to an external site.). Advances in Nursing Science 1 (1), 1324.

This is a seminal article describing nursing knowledge. The author describes how we know things in nursing. This may be difficult for you to read, so read on, dont give up, and we will discuss the article. I promise it will make sense as the course and your readings progress.

Case Scenario

Review the case regarding Matt on page 24 of the Theoretical Basis for Nursing textbook.

Matt Ng has been an emergency room nurse for almost 6 years and recently decided to enroll in a masters degree program to become an acute care nurse practitioner. As he read over the degree requirements, Matt was somewhat bewildered. One of the first courses in his program was entitled Application of Theory in Nursing. He was interested in the courses in advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment, and pathophysiology and was excited about the advanced practice clinical courses, but a course that focused on nursing theory did not appear congruent with his goals.

Looking over the syllabus for the theory application course did little to reassure Matt, but he was determined to make the best of the situation and went to the first class with an open mind. The first few class periods were increasingly interesting as the students and instructor discussed the historical evolution of the discipline of nursing and the stages of nursing theory development. As the course progressed, the topics became more relevant to Matt. He learned ways to analyze and evaluate theories, examined a number of different types of theories used by nurses, and completed several assignments, including a concept analysis, an analysis of a middle range nursing theory, and a synthesis paper that examined the use of non-nursing theories in nursing research.

By the end of the semester, Matt was able to recognize the importance of the study of theory. He understood how theoretical principles and concepts affected his current practice and how they would be essential to consider as he continued his studies to become an advanced practice nurse.

Discussion Guidelines

Initial Post

How would you explain the following to Matt?

• Importance of models and theories in nursing.
• The components of a strong nursing theory.
• How the development of nursing theories have changed over time.