Nursing Theory, Model, and Philosophy

What do you believe about the influences of theory on nursing practice?

A nursing theory includes a set of definitions, concepts, relationships, and assumptions derived from nursing models or other disciplines with the purpose of guiding the nursing practice. Notably, although some scholars have out rightly disregarded the importance of nursing theories, El and Osuji (2016) note others have insisted that the real value of nursing can only be represented using a broad theoretical framework that informs and explains what nurses do in their delivery of care. Ahtisham and Jacoline (2015) further highlight that, the value of nursing theories in addressing the needs of patients and providing quality care across the globe is indispensable. Theories applied in the clinical setting are valuable to the nursing profession and impact the way nurses deliver quality and safe care to patients. 

What value do you place on using a model for practice as an advanced practice registered nurse?

Within the nursing profession, a practice model represents nursing values, the structures, and processes that support nurses in their practice and in the delivery of quality care (Slatyer, Coventry, & Twigg, 2016). As an advanced practice registered nurse, professional practice models provide the foundations for delivering quality nursing practice. The elements of nursing models can provide the starting point for a graduate APRN in their practice, by shaping their professional practice that is meaningful to direct care practice. 

How has your philosophy of advanced practice nursing changed over the last nine weeks?

The philosophy of advanced nurse practitioners is to provide care by first acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual while providing unconditional and compassionate care, educating patients and their families, and seeking to promote an environment that is therapeutic and respectful to the patients. Over the last nine weeks, my personal belief has changed from just treating diseases to striving to prevent them as a way of achieving wholeness of health not only in the individual but also in the entire community.  

References

Ahtisham, Y., & Jacoline, S. (2015). Integrating nursing theory and process into practice; Virginia’s Henderson need theory. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 8(2), 443-450.

EL, H. M. T., & Osuji, J. (2016). Bridging the theory-practice dichotomy in nursing: The role of nurse educators. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 7(3), 20-25.Slatyer, S., Coventry, L. L., Twigg, D., & Davis, S. (2016). Professional practice models for nursing: a review of the literature and synthesis of key components. Journal of Nursing Management, 24(2), 139-150.