Application Of Nursing Theory

Nursing Theories: The Building Blocks of Nursing Often deemed unimportant or irrelevant in the clinical setting, nursing theory appears to hold little importance to the world of nursing, but in actuality, it can provide a framework for practice and guide the nurse in finding his or her purpose within the profession (Colley, 2003). Parker (2003) describes nursing theory as, “a notion or an idea that explains experience, interprets observation, describes relationships, and projects outcomes” (p.4). Colley (2003) states that a central theme of nursing is caring, and since this concept is subjective, developing theory is imperative in order to provide an accurate assessment of nursing practice. Two theories that attempt to do this are Jean Watson’s

They are considered to be the foundation of nursing (Watson, 2005). The processes entail forming selfless values in order to provide supportive care, being attentive to the belief system of the patient, showing understanding to oneself therefore being able to incorporate it into patient relations, developing a trustworthy relationship with the patient, accepting the patient’s feelings as valid emotions, and problem solving in all aspects of care, which is a similar aspect to the personal viewpoint of critical thinking (Watson 2005). Other processes include adapting teaching styles and methods to meet the patient’s needs, creating an environment that is comfortable and healthy to promote healing, providing assistance with daily care which also promotes healing, and being attentive to the soul and its well-being (Watson, 2005). Watson (2005) compares these statements to love invoking, which “allows love and caring to come together for a new form of deep transpersonal caring,” which “connotates inner healing for self and others” (p.

This will be measurable by the obtaining of a job in this specialty (Lawlor & Hornyak, 2012). To achieve this goal, an action I will take is to gain prior experience in post-partum nursing to be able to have an understanding of a healthy newborn versus a critical newborn. I will also obtain specific certifications related to NICU nursing (Lawlor & Hornyak, 2012). As for relevancy, the demand for nurses is expected to increase 15% from 2016-2026, which is faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). I would like to achieve this goal within five years (Lawlor & Hornyak, 2012).

In conclusion, nursing theory proves to be of significance in the clinical setting (Colley, 2003). Watson and Hall both attempt to explain the importance of caring in the nursing profession through the Theory of Caring and Care, Core, Cure Theory (Watson, 2005; Touhy & Birnbach, 2005). While there are some similarities and difference between personal and well-known theories, one thing holds true: “applying these caring values in our practice is not only essential to our own health, as nurses, but its significance is also fundamentally tributary to finding meaning in our work” (Cara, 2003,