Theoretical Base for Practice
Nursing theory is the foundation of nursing. It was through the various theorist’s research, education and beliefs that nursing has evolved into the respected profession it is today. Theories are developed through a scientific approach. They take years to develop. “Given our history and the challenges of today, utilization and application of nursing’s theoretical works are understood to be vital organizing structures for the critical thinking necessary in professional nursing practice” (Kearney-Nunnery, 2008, p. 46).
Many of us have chosen the field of nursing. Why, because we are insane! We are in a profession that affects lives from the moment of conception to the final breath. We work long hours, odd hours and holidays. Thank-you Florence! Florence Nightingale started the practice of nursing. She was also an early nursing theorist. She began forming theories that helped advance the field of nursing. Many theorists followed suit. What does this mean to nursing? It gives nurses a solid framework on which to base practice. By identifying with a theorist who closely shadows your practice, it will gain depth and become evidence-based. Your patients will unknowingly appreciate it. Nursing theory is not as frightening as one may think.
Nurses, especially young nurses, tend to avoid nursing theory. When we began our careers we lacked self-confidence. There was so much to learn. I focused on skills such as IVs, pathophysiology, patient care and disease processes. These skills were what I viewed as crucial to getting a job. I was overwhelmed. Nursing theory did not seem important to my practice at that time. It requires time and experience to fully understand the benefits of theory. The use of theory forces you to review your personal beliefs and nursing practice. As I change the path of my nursing career, nursing theory has become increasingly important. Theory not only supports what I do, it gives me a framework to strengthen the foundation of my nursing practice.
The first artifact to support this graduate nursing outcome is a paper titled "Levels of Evidence". It is one of my earlier assignments in the MSN program. The purpose of this paper was to identify the various levels of evidence, and the significance evidence-based practice brings to the nursing profession. As I reflect back on completing this assignment, it was very difficult. Since, this time my research methods and APA writing style has vastly improved.
The next piece of supporting evidence is a Curriculum Concept Map. The map depicts the various steps required in the development of a nursing curriculum. With the desire to stay in the field of public health nursing, the map depicts an orientation curriculum for a school nurse. This curriculum map was created with the intent to introduce it into the health departments orientation program for the school nurses.
Artifacts
NURS 531 - Levels of Evidence
NURS 601 - Staff Curriculum Concept Map
Many of us have chosen the field of nursing. Why, because we are insane! We are in a profession that affects lives from the moment of conception to the final breath. We work long hours, odd hours and holidays. Thank-you Florence! Florence Nightingale started the practice of nursing. She was also an early nursing theorist. She began forming theories that helped advance the field of nursing. Many theorists followed suit. What does this mean to nursing? It gives nurses a solid framework on which to base practice. By identifying with a theorist who closely shadows your practice, it will gain depth and become evidence-based. Your patients will unknowingly appreciate it. Nursing theory is not as frightening as one may think.
Nurses, especially young nurses, tend to avoid nursing theory. When we began our careers we lacked self-confidence. There was so much to learn. I focused on skills such as IVs, pathophysiology, patient care and disease processes. These skills were what I viewed as crucial to getting a job. I was overwhelmed. Nursing theory did not seem important to my practice at that time. It requires time and experience to fully understand the benefits of theory. The use of theory forces you to review your personal beliefs and nursing practice. As I change the path of my nursing career, nursing theory has become increasingly important. Theory not only supports what I do, it gives me a framework to strengthen the foundation of my nursing practice.
The first artifact to support this graduate nursing outcome is a paper titled "Levels of Evidence". It is one of my earlier assignments in the MSN program. The purpose of this paper was to identify the various levels of evidence, and the significance evidence-based practice brings to the nursing profession. As I reflect back on completing this assignment, it was very difficult. Since, this time my research methods and APA writing style has vastly improved.
The next piece of supporting evidence is a Curriculum Concept Map. The map depicts the various steps required in the development of a nursing curriculum. With the desire to stay in the field of public health nursing, the map depicts an orientation curriculum for a school nurse. This curriculum map was created with the intent to introduce it into the health departments orientation program for the school nurses.
Artifacts
NURS 531 - Levels of Evidence
NURS 601 - Staff Curriculum Concept Map