Importance of Nursing Theory - Research Paper Example

Importance of Nursing Theory Introduction A theory is a collection of concepts that make up a pattern of reality. It is a statement explaining or characterizing an occurrence, an event, or a process. A theory lays its basis on facts that have been observed, but it lacks direct or absolute truths; it is generally based on assumptions. Theories are known to arrange a group of concepts so as to give meaning to occurrences and events. Theories can be changed, tested and used to guide further research into a field of study as well as act as basis for evaluation (Blais, Hayes, Kozier, & Erb, 2002). Florence Nightingale is the first founder of nursing theory and she is referred to as the first nurse theorist. This paper will explore Nightingale’s theory which is based on systems, interactions and development, and to relate it to the nursing practice today. Importance of nursing theory On a given day nurses utilize several nursing theories. Nursing theories are basic concepts that define the nursing practice and attempts to describe and explain what and why nurses do what they do (nursing). Nursing theory is important in differentiating nursing from other disciplines as its main purpose is to describe, explain, predict, and control desired nursing practice outcomes. These theories applied daily by nurses are guidance to how a nurse gives treatment to a patient, how nurses perform their tasks, complete their assessments, and establish interventions. By studying nursing theory, students are able to start thinking critically. For example, nursing theory can be termed as the foundation of good nursing and clinical practice. Even when building a house the foundation is the most important; a strong foundation means a long lasting house. Similarly when the foundation is cracked, the structure (nursing practice) is weakened. Therefore, having a good comprehension of the nursing theories from the nursing education level topped up with intuition and compassion makes a strong nurse. Nursing theory is the foundation of nursing research which in return develops the nursing practice. It is essential in health care advancement, which allows patients to get the best possible nursing care. As medicine is trying to make a more multidisciplinary approach to health care, nursing has to aim at establishing a exceptional body of knowledge. For example, nurses are gradually increasing their practice scope by performing tasks that were previously carried out by doctors. It is therefore important for theory to define the position of nurses and their roles (Colley, 2003). By giving them this sense of identity, nursing theory helps managers, patients and other professionals in health care to make recognition of the exemplary contribution that nurses make to health care service. Key concepts Florence Nightingale established the theoretical base of nursing practice. Her theory, Environmental Theory, contributed to nursing by identifying the role of the nurse in meeting the needs of the client, and recognizing the role played by environmental factors in influencing the care of sick people. This theory has helped in evaluating the standard and development of sound principles that guide nursing education. In this theory, the nurse is given a role to use the clients’ environment to help them recover. The environment around the patient is important because according to Nightingale, it impacts on the health of the patient positively or negatively. Some of the environmental factors that affect health include pure water, fresh air, appropriate nutrition and sufficient food, cleanliness, sunlight, and efficient drainage. The theory urges nurses to assess dietary needs of patients and evaluate how these diets affect the health and recovery of a patient. However, the Environment Theory makes various assumptions in its focus to take care of patients’ environment. These include nursing is separate from medicine, nursing is achieved through altering the environment, nursing is a calling, nursing is in dire need of a specific education base, and nursing is an art and science. Client and environment balance model, (Gonzalo, 2011) The environment theory is a patient care theory of nursing; it focuses more on patient care rather than the nursing process and the relationship between the nurse and patient. In this way, this model must be adapted to fit individual patient’s needs. Environmental factors affect various patients differently according to their situation and illnesses, and the nurse has the obligation to address these cases individually in order to make sure that all factors are altered in accordance with each individual patient’s needs. According to Nightingale the ten major concepts in her theory are; light and noise, bed and bedding, variety, cleanliness of the area, ventilation and warming, personal cleanliness, food, health of houses, observation, and offering advice and hope. The environmental paradigm is the most important aspect in this theory. This is because Nightingale’s observations taught her that unsanitary conditions are a major contribution to ill health, and that it is possible to alter the environment to improve a patient’s condition and allow healing. In her own words “the art of nursing, as now practised , seems to be expressly constituted to unmake what God had made disease to be, viz., a reparative process” (Nightingale, 1860). Florence Nightingales ideas on nursing education Florence nightingale brought nursing from an immoral and disreputable career to an ethical and honest profession that is well enjoyed today. This she deed by emphasizing strict morals in both work and personal lives of her students (Hoyt, 2010). In modern nursing, ethical principles are the guiding standards for the nursing profession and this can be attributed to Nightingale’s morals. She accepted nursing by developing sound principles of nursing education. Her contribution to nursing education is evident in the way she demonstrated efficient knowledge in nursing care and regarding nursing as separate from medical practice. This way she saw the need to educate nurses separately so as to make them better health care givers. For example, in the 19th century most medical workers had less training and skills, one would be given the title surgeon simply by being an apprentice to another. They had to work in filthy conditions too. In modern day, there is a full course on nursing that I am undertaking, thanks to Florence Nightingale who contributed to the opening of the first Army Medical School in 1860s. Nursing education gives students the ethics and principles that are required in practice. It also gives them training and skills to carry out their jobs efficiently and diligently. In her notes on nursing, which Nightingale did not intend for them to be a manual on nursing, were guiding ideas to women, who she believed at some point in their life, nursed somebody and it was their obligation to alter the environment to assist nature in taking its course. However, her ideas were applicable to teaching nurses on how to take care of the patient through environmental manipulation. These ideas were later used in her school to help nurses give the best care to the patients. These ideas are still applicable today. For example, there are so many health related issues brought about by her concepts like, diabetes, and as a nurse the dietary consideration of a patient is important. These ideas represent a holistic view of nursing by addressing the mental, social and physical aspects of the clients’ environment. For example adequate nutrition and sunlight is essential for body development. As a nurse, due to this education, we still keep track of patients vitals and monitor their changes, just like she did 150 years ago. Conclusion Theory is important as it helps us as nurses to make a decision on what we know and what we need to know for better practice in nursing. Nursing theories are innovations of nurses who try to make thoughtful description of the relationships that exist within the practice. In writing this paper it has come to my understanding that theories address the questions that confront nurses on a daily basis. Prior to becoming a student, I would not have given much thought to nursing theories, but I know that I utilize them daily in my nursing practice. I never put much into theory either during my practice, but this paper has opened my eyes on theory being important for continued development, and growth in nursing practice. Just like nightingale I believe that teaching and following ethical principles is essential in nursing professional growth. Theories are therefore foundations in nursing practice. References Blais, K., Hayes, J., Kozier, B., & Erb, G. (2002). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Colley, S. (2003). Nursing theory: its importance to practice. Nursing Standard, 17(46), 33-37. Gonzalo, A. (2011). Theoritical foundations of nursing. Retrieved from Nursing Theories: http://nursingtheories.weebly.com/florence-nightingale.html Hoyt, S. (2010). Florence Nightingales contribution to contemporary nursing ethics. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 28(4), 331-332. Nightingale, F. (1860). Notes on nursing: What it is and what it is not. New York: D. Aplleton and Company.Retrieved from http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/nightingale/nursing/nursing.html Read More