Nursing Theory Paper

The role of theory to the profession of nursing is a foundational one. The presence of theory and a specialized scientific knowledge base coupled with unique practice abilities establish nursing as a profession (Alligood, 2013a). Theories provide nursing with a perspective that emphasizes the knowledge focused thinking pattern and decision making skills that are concentrated on the patient. Additionally, theories allow continued generation of knowledge to further advance the professions goals for positive health (Alligood, 2013a). In this analysis, Imogene King’s theory of goal attainment will be interpreted to demonstrate the importance of nursing theory, not only in an academic milieu but also in practice. The key concepts of King’s

Analysis of the first 25 years of nursing research revealed a disconnect among in concepts and frameworks that led to isolated benefit (as cited in Alligood, 2013a). It was not until the 1980’s that the traditional nursing paradigm was developed (as cited in Alligood, 2013a). This led to the unification of nursing research under the metaparadigm's four sentinel elements. The metaparadigm created a method of organization that led to meaningful structure of nursing research that illuminated and enhanced understanding of knowledge development by realigning the theorist’s works in a larger framework allowing the expansion of knowledge (Alligood, 2013a). Emphasis is placed on theoretical instruction to enable students to synthesize and develop research so they may practice nursing at an advanced level (Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN),

Because of this parallelism, advanced practice nursing is defined by the theory in that health attainment is achieved through full utilization of the NP’s scope of practice and by truly valuing the individuality, dimensions and perspective of the patient (Leon-Demare, Macdonald, Gregory, Katz, & Halas, 2015). The theory maneuvers the patient interaction to one of a holistic approach that allows the NP to provide direct, thorough and individualized care to patient (Leon-Demare et al., 2015). Advanced practice nursing can be defined by King’s theory in that a problem is identified, care is sought, a goal is agreed upon and both parties work to achieve that goal. The process of problem identification, communication and subsequent goal achievement of improved health is the primary purpose of nurse practioners. Essentially, the theory emphasizes nursing’s foundational influence on the advanced practice nurse role (Leon-Demare et al.,