Applied Research, Practice, And Theory Paper

Applied Research, Practice, and Theory

Florence Nightingale laid a strong foundation for nursing practice based on her Environmental Theory. Her theory was well validated through her keen observation and diligent practice. Consequently, as George (2011) detailed, her work was life changing to the health of the war victims and instrumental to the progression of the nursing profession. Therefore, application of theory, research, and practice guide the nursing profession.

Theory, Research, and Practice

Nightingale’s example depicted the interconnections of theory, research, and practice. The theory was formulated through an acquired knowledge or supposition and must be proven by research. As per Sampoornam (2012), research will confirm or nullify the theory through observation and practice. Once research has proven the theory, Sampoorman (2012) explained that the practice will be endorsed and published to become an evidence-based nursing practice. Thus, the nursing practice is more than a procedural task but a byproduct of tested theories by mostly nurses, producing positive health outcomes.

Importance

For example, in ICU, it was a habit of nurses to put the patient in Trendelenburg position when the blood pressure was low. Based on the study, Makic (2013) informed that this practice was not recommended due to lack of positive evidence in making a difference in patient’s blood pressure and can even be more distressing to patient with obese or CHF. Also, societal changes, such as the patient population, cultural diversity, advanced technology, and health care systems, require modification of nursing practice so that nurses can continue to provide safe, quality, and cost-effective patient care Today, a number of research produced many evidence-based practices that are nationally promoted and practiced in various health care