Module 1 Discussion
Theory, Practice, & Research
Discuss the interrelationship among theory, practice, and research in nursing.
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 3 academic sources.
- Due Wednesday May 15 at 11:59pm
In the field of nursing, the interrelationship among theory, practice, and research forms a critical foundation for the advancement of healthcare and ensures that patient care is both effective and efficient. Understanding this interrelationship can enhance the way nurses deliver care and contribute to the profession’s body of knowledge.
Theory in Nursing Theories in nursing provide a framework for understanding and predicting phenomena related to the practice of nursing. They help in defining what nursing is, what nurses may do, and explain why certain actions are more effective than others. Nursing theories can range from grand theories, which provide broad perspectives for nursing practice, to middle-range theories that offer a narrower focus on specific aspects of nursing, leading to a more straightforward application in daily practice.
Practice in Nursing Practice is the actual delivery of nursing services to patients, encompassing the care provided by nurses across settings. Nursing practice is grounded in a set of standards that dictate the ethical and acceptable scope of practice and is influenced heavily by both the practical application of nursing theories and the integration of research findings. Without theory, practice tends to become routine and less focused on the personalized care and understanding of the complexities of human health.
Research in Nursing Research in nursing is critical for generating new knowledge and ensuring that nursing practice is based on the best available evidence. It involves the systematic investigation into and study of materials, sources, and nursing phenomena to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Research in nursing not only seeks to validate existing theories but also to develop new ones. It plays a pivotal role in discovering novel therapeutic approaches, improving patient care techniques, and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of nursing services.
Interrelationship Among Theory, Practice, and Research The interrelationship among theory, practice, and research in nursing is dynamic and cyclical. Theory guides nursing practice by providing the rationale behind why nurses perform specific interventions. In turn, nursing practice provides the real-world setting to test theories and apply research findings. This application can support existing theories or indicate the need for theory revision.
Research affects both theory and practice by generating new knowledge that can refine existing theories and improve practice. Theories are continuously modified as new research findings either support or contradict the foundational assumptions, leading to more effective and personalized nursing practices.
For example, the development of the Self-Care Deficit Theory by Dorothea Orem, which postulates that nursing care is required when an individual is unable to meet their own care needs, has been instrumental in shaping many educational curriculums and nursing practices. Research testing this theory in various settings, like chronic illness or rehabilitation, has led to a deeper understanding of patient needs and the customization of care plans.
In conclusion, the synergy between nursing theory, practice, and research is essential for the continual improvement and evolution of the nursing profession. This interrelationship not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the nurse’s role in delivering high-quality healthcare.
References
- Alligood, M.R. (2017). Nursing Theorists and Their Work. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Polit, D.F., & Beck, C.T. (2020). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
- Orem, D.E. (2001). Nursing: Concepts of Practice. Mosby.