Role of theory in the professional practice of nursing
Research is a crucial part of the nursing profession. Through research, personnel in the nursing field obtain skills and knowledge necessary for different practices in professional practice. Most of the research materials are presented theoretically. Consequently, this aspect presents one of the major roles of theory in the professional practice of nursing, which involves presentation of rich materials necessary for obtaining skills and knowledge for nursing practices (Alligood, 2013). Furthermore, theory introduces models of nursing that inform thinking and decision making in nursing research. Various models are presented theoretically, most of them presenting procedures and structures that are substantial for different nursing practices.
Also, most of the policies governing the professional practices of nursing are presented theoretically. Therefore, the theory is necessary for teaching policies and guidelines necessary for nursing practice. The theory is also used to teach healthcare professionals vital roles and responsibilities for the nurses (George, 2011) . Moreover, theory play the role of improving patient care by providing frameworks necessary for nursing professionalism (Alligood, 2013). Concepts used for the nursing professional practice are also presented theoretically hence plays a crucial role in nursing. In general, theory presents concepts, ethics, morals, values and skills that are employed in nursing research and clinical practice hence improving patient care.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Comparison of three nursing theories
The elected nursing theories are necessary for providing a framework for professional nursing practice. Nevertheless, the Neuman Systems Model differs from the Roy Adaptation model based on different elements of nursing. In consideration of the conceptual elements of nursing, the theories help nurses to incorporate their knowledge in learning different factors that influence an individual’s health. The difference exists in theoretical approaches presented by each theory on how nursing plan should be carried out (George, 2011) . Roy’s theory presents adaptive models, which include self-concept, physiologic needs, interdependent relations and role function defining them as necessary for improving person’s adaptation. In comparison, Neuman's theory suggests that nursing plan is a unique composite of traits and factors obtained in a basic structure of a patient’s adaptation profile (Neuman & Fawcett, 2002) .
In addition, Neuman’s system model presents theories based on the patient’s system response to actual environmental stressors while Roy Adaptation model is based on self-organization and the energy necessary for the adaptation of an individual on different environmental factors. According to Roy Adaptation model, self-awareness and awareness of the environment are based on an individual’s feelings and thinking. In comparison, Neuman’s system model asserts that each patient has different responses to the normal line of defense. Considering the flexible line of defense presented in Neuman’s system model, different patient variables might affect their protection degree.
Moreover, assumptions drawn from Roy’s adaptation model suggests that an individual’s creative process is impacted by their respective decisions (Roy & Andrews, 1999) . The theory also suggests that thinking mediates human action. In comparison, Neuman’s system model suggests that human’s reaction is mediated by their respective reaction to stressors and intervention priorities. Moreover, Neuman’s system model presents prevention as a primary intervention that focuses on keeping stressors away from detrimental impact of the body. In addition, the system model is based on the degree of reaction towards a given environment or stressor. On the other hand, Roy’s Adaptation theory is based on different assumptions based on cultural, scientific and philosophical aspects describing humans and their reactions.
Dossey’s Theoretical Approach to holistic nursing.
Dossey’s theory of integral nursing presents substantial approaches to organizing different phenomena of concern that affect nurses. It is necessary for principles of holistic nursing, healing and human caring. In addition, the theory incorporates comprehensive model that demonstrates procedures that are crucial for addressing the wellbeing of nurses and other members of the nursing fraternity (Dossey, 2008) . The theory presents a global perspective defining the roles that nurses have in the health system that are necessary for shaping a healthy world.
Additionally, Dossey’s theory has most of its philosophies based on holistic nursing theories, spirituality, spiral dynamics and complexity of different factors characterizing the health system. Moreover, the theory presents comprehensive approaches that define human experience and the respective reality based on different aspects including physiology, cultural, collective structures and personal perceptions. This theory defines healing as a lifelong journey that incorporates different environmental aspects in the community by maintaining equal significance (Dossey, 2008) .
Furthermore, Dossey’s theory defines health as a state in which individuals experience a sense of unity, well-being and harmony that is subjective to health values that expand the level of consciousness. In addition, health promotion incorporates preventive measures that promote health and increase well-being actualizing the human potential of individuals in societies. In general, the identified aspects are connected to promotion of environmental health.
Relationship of theory to evidence-based practice
In consideration of the benefit of evidence-based practice that includes improvement of quality and cost effectiveness of nursing practices, theory is substantial through presenting guidelines and skills that are necessary for the evidence-based practices (Barnum, 1998). Theory directs the practice since evidence-based practice is insufficient and incomplete without the defining procedures and concepts. Additionally, explanatory theory is necessary for explaining the results of evidence-based practice and the approaches employed for collection of the evidence. Moreover, predictive theory, one of the theoretic categories help in evaluations and program designs that make evidence-based practice compactible with the nursing practice. Moreover, evidence-based practice reviews are presented theoretically hence presenting the effectiveness of the practice in the nursing practices. In conclusion, holistic nursing practice incorporates all nursing practices that are essential for healing an individual with healing as the main goal. Therefore, the holistic nursing practice requires nurses to employ different conceptual models as identified in the context integrating the nursing practices with self-responsibility, self-care and reflection in their individual lives.
References
Alligood, M. R. (2013). Nursing Theory-E-Book: Utilization & Application . Elsevier Health Sciences.
Barnum, B. S. (1998). Nursing theory: analysis, application, evaluation . Philadelphia: Lippincott.
Dossey, B. M. (2008). Theory of integral nursing. Advances in nursing science , 31 (1), E52-E73.
George, J. B. (2011). Nursing Theories: The Base for Professional Nursing Practice, 6/e . Pearson Education India.
Neuman, B. M., & Fawcett, J. (2002). The Neuman systems model.
Roy, C., & Andrews, H. A. (1999). The Roy adaptation model (Vol. 2). Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange.
