NU 500 Week 1 Discussion 2 Initial Post

Discuss the value of theory to the profession of nursing (Nursing Practice, Nursing Education, Nursing Research, or Nursing Management).

Nursing theories have great value in nursing practice, as they emphasize a frame of information and knowledge for relevant patient care (Lee, 2014). Our profession was shaped by Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory; which its main focus is to modify the patient’s surroundings in order to affect change in his or her wellbeing (Petiprin, 2016). To this day, nurses apply Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory by determining a patient’s environment for recovery based on his or her condition or disease. For example, if a patient is suffering from a tetanus infection, the nurse provides an environment that is calm and with minimal noise to prevent seizures (Petiprin, 2016). These environmental nursing interventions are proof that nursing theories enhance the overall patient care, and they provide us with the ability to render care that is evidence based.

Identify one way in which you could use theory to improve your practice in your present or future role.

One way of using theory to improve my nursing practice is by implementing a theory that is specific for the care I am providing. For example, when practicing nursing in a mental health setting, Hildegard Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations is a very important theory to follow, as Peplau’s work leads to therapeutic interventions that include 6 nursing roles; stranger, teacher, resource person, counselor, surrogate, and leader roles (Petiprin, 2016).

According to Hildegard Peplau’s theory, as a stranger, nurses are able to provide an atmosphere of trust upon meeting a new client. As a teacher, the nurse is able to provide knowledge in reference to the needs or interests of the patient; in that way the nurse is also resourceful and is able to answer questions and interpret data pertinent to the patient’s care. The role of the surrogate nurse is implemented by helping the patient clarify the domains of “dependence, interdependence, and independence”, and as a leader, the nurse is able to act as an advocate for the patient, and helps the patient take responsibility for meeting treatment goals (Petiprin, 2016).

In my experience, I have been able to stablish trust upon meeting a client by openly stating the care process, the expectations, and by keeping my word. Something as little as saying, “I will bring you a blanket” has meaning, and when not followed through, that patient tends to create an idea in their minds that that nurse is not trustworthy. Part of the healing process also encompasses being a good listener. Listening to patients is very important, as building rapport also helps with the healing process.

References

Lee, S. (2014). Overview of Nursing Theories. Seoul National University, 12, 58-67. Retrieved from http://www.oita-nhs.ac.jp/journal/PDF/12_2/12_2_3.pdf

Petiprin, Alice. (2016). Florence Nightingale – Nursing Theorist. Nursing Theory. Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Florence-Nightingale.php

Petiprin, Alice. (2016). Hildegard Peplau Theory. Nursing Theory. Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/peplau-theory-of-interpersonal-relations.php