You have spent six weeks exploring theories of nursing. These represent the “how” of what we do as nurses. This week we enter a higher level of thought and explore the “why” of what we do. Present a personal nursing philosophy. Apply what you have read throughout the course and explore the literature on nursing philosophy.
While Fawcett was not a nursing theorist, she is a nursing philosopher and her Metaparadigm of Nursing approaches philosophy over theory. Once you have discussed your philosophy, identify a theoretical framework (not the middle-range theories but the underlying assumptions in that framework) that fits your philosophy.
Compare and contrast your philosophy and the chosen framework. Describe a possible situation in which the framework may conflict or not fit your philosophy. While it is an important skill to be able to match a theory with a situation, it is also critical to understand when a theory or framework does not fit a situation.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Personal Theoretical Framework for Advanced Practice Nursing
The healthcare sector is a critical service to any community. Healthcare professionals are required to make efforts that address the different issues affecting the delivery of care. The role of a care provider is based on the scope provided by their facility and the personal philosophy that guides their intrinsic motivation (Abou Malham et al., 2020). Personal nursing philosophies are essential as they provide care providers with the ability to have a sense of purpose. This paper will focus on my nursing philosophy and how it correlates with the theoretical framework.
Personal Philosophy
My personal philosophy statement as a nurse is that I have the mandate to provide quality medical care that is safer and patient-centered on the patient while safeguarding the patient’s autonomy, beliefs, and values. The philosophy is based on the role of a nurse as a care provider and the need to ensure that there is quality care and efficient patient outcome. Patient satisfaction is one of the factors that provide a nurse with a sense of purpose to which a personal philosophy can be attributed.
My personal philosophy is centered on the needs of the patient and also includes the different ways in which I can impact the life of the patient in general. To begin with, the provision of quality medical care is a key point since it ensures that I achieve my role as a nurse and increase my experiences.
Through the provision of quality medical care, I would be meeting the needs of the patient and those of the healthcare facility as a whole. Additionally, the personal philosophy also focuses on the need to safeguard the needs of the patient and increase overall efficiency. The strategy makes it possible for a care provider to include specific measures that would ensure the patient is well protected and all the key measures addressed.
A healthcare professional can help safeguard the different needs of the patient, ensure their beliefs are taken into account and uphold their values (Abou Malham et al., 2020). These strategies increase the efficiency of my personal philosophy as a nurse and the strength to work with others to ensure efficient care delivery.
Theoretical Framework
Jean Watson is renowned for the theory of human caring which focuses on the role of the nurse as a care provider (Alharbi & Baker, 2020). Nurses are key players in the healthcare sector and as such have to provide essential services at all times. The theory denotes that human caring is the basis of the healthcare sector and can be used to ensure that different patients are provided equal care regardless of their different socioeconomic status. The theoretical framework that can be derived from the theory is that there is a need for constant and efficient human caring to ensure accurate, and patient-centered care (Alharbi & Baker, 2020).
The theoretical framework can be correlated with my personal philosophy in different ways. The theoretical framework and my personal philosophy portray the need for care providers to offer care that is based on the patient’s needs. Human caring forms the cornerstone of nursing and can be used to increase the efficiency of care. Through human caring, nurses have the ability to ensure that the individual needs of every patient are addressed.
The theoretical framework fits with my philosophy as they both address the role of a care provider in patient care and how they are supposed to ensure efficient care. For instance, my philosophy addresses the need to provide care that is centered on the patient and aligns with the standards of practice (Alharbi & Baker, 2020). To begin with, the theoretical principle of human caring is based on the Caritas Processes that guide the implementation of the process.
The first of the Caritas Processes focuses on the need to practice loving kindness to others and to self. The strategy focuses on the need for care providers to constantly show value ad respect to others within their care and also ensure they are self-sufficient. The process compares with my philosophy in terms of safeguarding the interests of the patient. Through living kindness, I would be able to ensure that the patient feels the care of the nurse.
The second component of the Caritas Processes is the ability of a care provider to be authentically present (Costello, 2018). Authentic presence focuses on the need to ensure that there is proper nurse-to-patient interaction and that the patient is provided with the resources on time and assisted with other additional needs.
The third Caritas Process is to cultivate one’s own spiritual practice and increase self-awareness. The strategy is important since it enables a care provider to understand their position, skills, and other qualities in relation to the delivery of care (Rossillo et al., 2020). The Caritas Processes also provides an overview of developing an authentic and trusting caring relationship. These processes compare with my philosophy in line with the need to safeguard patient values and preferences through respect for autonomy.
The Caritas Processes provides other strategies that are based on the creation of a healing environment, attending to patients’ spiritual needs, assistance with basic needs, and the provision of teaching or learning experiences (Rossillo et al., 2020). The theoretical framework compares efficiency with my personal theory and can be used to improve my role as a nurse and increase the efficiency of my nursing practice.
However, a theoretical framework is more detailed and provides more analysis of the aspect of human caring. The framework is tied to the theory by Jean Watson and they ensure that there are efficient strategies that can be used by care providers to ensure better outcomes and improved overall satisfaction.
An Instance of Conflict Between the Framework and the Philosophy
The correlation between a framework and a personal philosophy can easily fit with each other but can also demonstrate instances of conflict. Different theories have a different frameworks of practice and might interfere at some point. It is important that care providers provide an understanding of the differences that might exist between general theoretical frameworks and personal philosophies.
In this case, the theoretical frameworks based on human caring have a close correlation with my personal theories by conflicts in the area that focus on self-care. My philosophy is purely based on patient-centered care and the needs of the patient. The framework on the other hand combines patient needs and the need for nurses to also focus on their wellbeing.
The focus on two components can have a challenge when the needs of the nurse and that of the patent collide. One might have difficulties determining the strategy to use (Rossillo et al., 2020). As a consequence, a dilemma might arise prompting different ways to address the issue and create an efficient outcome.
The conflicts between the two categories increase the differences between the two elements making it critical to make the necessary intervention as a nurse. Despite having a personal philosophy, a nurse needs to understand that there are different strategies that can be to align the differences that might exist with other theoretical frameworks (Costello, 2018). It is important that the strategies that nurses use to guide their personal theories be more flexible to increase patient outcomes and efficiency.
The strategies are key and can be used to avoid the occurrence of an impasse or dilemma. While it is an important skill to be able to match a specific theory with a situation, it is also significant to understand when a theory or framework does not fit a situation (Costello, 2018). The comprehension makes it possible for a care provider to identify alternative intentions that can be used or seek assistance from other multidisciplinary teams.
The strategy is key and can ensure that the overall intervention leads to the desired outcomes and that the patient experiences the best available care. The strategies are essential as they create a means by which the care provider can facilitate continuity of care and overall attainment of patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
This paper focused on my nursing philosophy and how it correlates with the theoretical framework. My personal philosophy statement is to provide quality medical care that is safer and patient-centered on the patient while safeguarding the patient’s autonomy, beliefs, and values. The theory is correlated with the theoretical framework of human caring based on the Caritas Processes.
The correlation creates a significant perspective on the role of a nurse in ensuring quality and improving the health of the nurse the analysis of how the framework and the philosophy do not fit also creates an additional means to identify alternative ways to address the issues when they arise.
References
Abou Malham, S., Breton, M., Touati, N., Maillet, L., Duhoux, A., & Gaboury, I. (2020). Changing nursing practice within primary health care innovations: The case of advanced access model. BMC Nursing, 19(1), 115. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-020-00504-z
Alharbi, K., & Baker, O. G. (2020). Jean Watson’s middle range theory of human caring: A critique. Int. J. Advanced Multidiscip. Sci. Res, 3, 1-14.
Costello, M. (2018). Watson’s Caritas Processes® as a Framework for Spiritual End-of-Life Care for Oncology Patients. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 11(2), 639-644.
Rossillo, K., Norman, V., Wickman, M., & Winokur, E. (2020). Caritas education: Theory to practice. International Journal for Human Caring, 24(2), 106-120.
Other Solved Questions:
SOLVED! How would your communication and interview
SOLVED! Describe the difference between a nursing practice
SOLVED! How do you think evidence from nursing journals
SOLVED! Discuss how elimination complexities can affect
SOLVED! Case C 38-year-old Native American pregnant
ANSWERED! In a 1,000–1,250 word essay, summarize two
[ANSWERED] Students will develop a 1,250-1,500 word paper that includes
Why is nursing theories important for nurses to learn?
Introduction
Nursing theories are an essential component of the nursing profession. They provide a framework for understanding the complex nature of nursing practice and help nurses make informed decisions about patient care. By learning nursing theories, nurses can enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are vital for delivering high-quality patient care. In this article, we will discuss the importance of nursing theories for nurses and explore how they can help improve patient outcomes.
Why is nursing theories important for nurses to learn?
Nursing theories provide a systematic approach to understanding the art and science of nursing. They help nurses understand the various factors that influence patient care, such as patient needs, healthcare policies, and healthcare systems. Here are some reasons why nursing theories are crucial for nurses to learn:
They help nurses provide better patient care
Nursing theories provide a framework for nurses to understand the various factors that influence patient care. They help nurses assess patient needs, plan care, and evaluate outcomes. For instance, the Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing, developed by Dorothea Orem, explains how patients can benefit from nursing care by performing self-care activities. By understanding this theory, nurses can identify ways to help patients perform these activities and improve their health outcomes.
They help nurses develop their professional skills
Nursing theories help nurses develop their professional skills by providing a framework for understanding the nursing profession. They help nurses understand the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of the nursing profession. Moreover, they help nurses develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for delivering high-quality patient care.
They contribute to the development of nursing knowledge
Nursing theories contribute to the development of nursing knowledge by providing a framework for conducting research. They help researchers understand the complex nature of nursing practice and design studies that address important nursing issues. Moreover, nursing theories help nurses develop a common language and understanding of nursing practice, which is essential for advancing the profession.
Conclusion
Nursing theories are essential for nurses to learn as they provide a framework for understanding the complex nature of nursing practice. By learning nursing theories, nurses can provide evidence-based care that is tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Moreover, nursing theories help nurses develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are vital for delivering high-quality patient care. In summary, nursing theories are crucial for nurses to learn as they contribute to the development of nursing knowledge and help advance the nursing profession.
How we could develop a nursing theory according to the level of theory?
Introduction
Nursing theory is an essential component of nursing practice and education. It serves as a framework for guiding the delivery of quality patient care, enhancing nursing knowledge and skills, and promoting nursing research and scholarship. To develop a nursing theory, nurses must understand the various levels of theoretical frameworks and their implications for nursing practice. In this article, we explore how we could develop a nursing theory according to the level of theory.
Understanding the Levels of Theory in Nursing
The levels of theoretical frameworks in nursing refer to the degree of abstraction and generality of the theoretical concepts and propositions. The following are the levels of theoretical frameworks in nursing:
- Grand Theory: This is the most abstract and comprehensive level of nursing theory. It focuses on explaining the fundamental aspects of nursing and its relationship to the larger context of health care and society. Examples of grand nursing theories include Roy’s Adaptation Model, Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, and Parse’s Human Becoming Theory.
- Middle-Range Theory: This level of nursing theory is less abstract and more specific than grand nursing theory. It focuses on explaining a particular phenomenon in nursing practice, such as pain management, coping, or stress reduction. Examples of middle-range nursing theories include Pender’s Health Promotion Model, Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory, and Swanson’s Theory of Caring.
- Practice Theory: This level of nursing theory is the least abstract and the most specific. It focuses on guiding nursing practice in a particular setting, such as a hospital unit, a community health center, or a home care agency. Examples of practice nursing theories include the Neuman Systems Model, the Watson Caring Model, and the Leininger Cultural Care Theory.
Developing a Nursing Theory According to the Level of Theory
To develop a nursing theory according to the level of theory, the following key steps and considerations are essential:
- Choose the level of theory that aligns with your research question or nursing practice problem. Consider the scope, complexity, and specificity of your research question or practice problem and select the level of theory that best fits it.
- Identify the key concepts and propositions of the selected level of theory. Review the literature and theoretical works related to the selected level of theory and identify the core concepts and propositions that are relevant to your research question or practice problem.
- Develop a conceptual or theoretical framework that integrates the key concepts and propositions of the selected level of theory with your research question or practice problem. This framework should serve as the basis for your nursing theory and guide your data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Use empirical evidence to support and refine your nursing theory. Collect and analyze data that are consistent with your conceptual or theoretical framework and refine your nursing theory based on the results.
- Evaluate the validity, reliability, and applicability of your nursing theory. Use established criteria and methods to assess the quality, rigor, and relevance of your nursing theory to nursing practice, education, and research.
Examples of Nursing Theories According to the Level of Theory
Here are some examples of nursing theories developed according to the level of theory:
- Grand Nursing Theory: The Humanistic Nursing Theory developed by Josephine Paterson and Loretta Zderad is an example of grand nursing theory. It focuses on the person, health, environment, and nursing as four interrelated concepts and emphasizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship in promoting healing and well-being.
- Middle-Range Nursing Theory: The Comfort Theory developed by Katharine Kolcaba is an example of middle-range nursing theory. It focuses on the concept of comfort as a holistic and multidimensional experience and proposes three types of comfort: physical, psychospiritual, and environmental.
- Practice Nursing Theory: The Clinical Decision-Making Model developed by Judith Tanner is an example of practice nursing theory. It focuses on the process of clinical decision-making in nursing practice and proposes six stages: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, and reflection.
Conclusion:
Developing a nursing theory according to the level of theory is a complex and challenging process that requires a deep understanding of theoretical frameworks, research methods, and nursing practice. By following the key steps and considerations outlined in this article and using examples of nursing theories at different levels of theory, nurses can create robust and effective nursing theories that enhance their practice, education, and research.
What are the key points of the nursing theory?
The key points of nursing theory include:
- Definition of nursing: A nursing theory should define the unique scope and purpose of nursing as a profession and practice. It should clarify the role of nurses in promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for patients and families.
- Concepts and assumptions: A nursing theory should identify the key concepts and assumptions that underpin its framework. These concepts may include health, environment, person, nursing, and caring, among others, and should be defined clearly and consistently.
- Relationships and interactions: A nursing theory should describe the relationships and interactions among the key concepts and how they influence nursing practice and patient outcomes. It should also identify the potential barriers and facilitators to effective nursing practice and patient care.
- Levels of theory: A nursing theory should be developed at a specific level of theory, such as grand theory, middle-range theory, or practice theory, depending on its scope, purpose, and applicability.
- Empirical validation: A nursing theory should be based on empirical evidence and tested through rigorous research methods. It should be open to revision and refinement based on new data and feedback from nurses and other stakeholders.
- Relevance and applicability: A nursing theory should be relevant and applicable to different contexts and populations of patients. It should be flexible enough to adapt to changing health care needs and technologies, while maintaining its core principles and values.
Conclusion:
Nursing theory is an essential component of nursing practice and education that provides a theoretical foundation for understanding and improving patient care. The key points of nursing theory include the definition of nursing, key concepts and assumptions, relationships and interactions among concepts, levels of theory, empirical validation, and relevance and applicability. By applying these key points and using nursing theories in their practice and research, nurses can enhance their knowledge, skills, and contributions to the field of nursing.
What is the most important concept of nursing theory?
The most important concept of nursing theory is the patient. All nursing theories revolve around the patient as the central focus of nursing practice. The patient is not only a biological being but also a unique individual with their own beliefs, values, and experiences. Therefore, nursing theories emphasize the importance of individualized care that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
Other important concepts in nursing theory include the role of the nurse, the environment in which care is provided, and the nursing process. Nurses are seen as professionals who use their knowledge and skills to facilitate the healing process and promote health. The environment, both physical and social, is recognized as having a significant impact on the patient’s health outcomes. Finally, the nursing process, which involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, is a systematic and dynamic framework that guides nursing practice and decision-making.
Nursing theory provides a conceptual framework that helps nurses understand the complex and dynamic nature of nursing practice. It helps nurses to identify the unique needs of their patients and to provide individualized care that is evidence-based and culturally sensitive. Nursing theory also contributes to the development of nursing knowledge, which can be used to improve patient outcomes and promote the advancement of the nursing profession.
Conclusion:
The patient is the most important concept of nursing theory, as nursing practice is centered on providing individualized care to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient. Other important concepts in nursing theory include the role of the nurse, the environment in which care is provided, and the nursing process. Nursing theory helps to guide nursing practice, research, and education, and contributes to the development of nursing knowledge and the advancement of the nursing profession.
[faq-schema id=”32979″]