Why Is Theory Important In Nursing Practice
Nursing theory is an important part of today’s nursing practice. Theory is important to the profession of nursing as it lays the framework in which nurses base their care and knowledge upon. Nursing theories give us the answers to back up the reason why we do things the way we do. According to Smith and Parker (2015), theories are mental patterns or frameworks created to help understand and create meaning from our experience, organize and articulate our knowing, and ask questions leading to new insights. When nurses use theory and theory-based evidence to structure their practice, it improves the quality of care (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015). Through nursing theories, current and past nursing practice is able to be reflected on and continually
…show more content…
I would also want to involve the other staff members, from administration to front line care givers, to obtain their input prior to implementing anything. I feel staff engagement from the beginning is crucial to the success of any project. Staff members need to know their opinions matter and their voices are heard. I would also want to explain the reasoning behind the change and why it is important to the facility, the patients, and the staff members. This allows people to digest the information given to them and feel they have purpose. This also allows the staff members to make the decision for themselves that they want to be a part of the change, rather than just being told this is what is happening without having any say. When the staff members are onboard with an idea, there is better buy in, commitment, and success with the project. After the nursing theory is implemented into the current practice, it is important to continually follow up with the staff members, evaluate the process, make changes as needed, and reinforce the new ways. It is easy to revert back to the old ways of doing things if the changes are not reinforced and kept in the forefront of everybody’s minds. Change is often hard, but with positive reinforcement, the new change can become a
I would also want to involve the other staff members, from administration to front line care givers, to obtain their input prior to implementing anything. I feel staff engagement from the beginning is crucial to the success of any project. Staff members need to know their opinions matter and their voices are heard. I would also want to explain the reasoning behind the change and why it is important to the facility, the patients, and the staff members. This allows people to digest the information given to them and feel they have purpose. This also allows the staff members to make the decision for themselves that they want to be a part of the change, rather than just being told this is what is happening without having any say. When the staff members are onboard with an idea, there is better buy in, commitment, and success with the project. After the nursing theory is implemented into the current practice, it is important to continually follow up with the staff members, evaluate the process, make changes as needed, and reinforce the new ways. It is easy to revert back to the old ways of doing things if the changes are not reinforced and kept in the forefront of everybody’s minds. Change is often hard, but with positive reinforcement, the new change can become a