Theory and Knowledge Development in Nursing - Essay Example

?Running head: THEORY AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING Insert Insert Grade Insert 12th. oct. Theory and Knowledge Development in Nursing Introduction According to Roy (2005), nursing is an art and science that promotes adaptation. Over the years, there has been debate as to whether nursing is a profession, or not; indeed, nursing has over the years advanced in its practices and academically. Today, nursing is offered at masters and doctoral level. Needless to say, for nursing to be effective, there must be effective and visible evidence on how nursing care impacts on patients. Nursing has room for advancement, especially in the scientific field, however, only a small percentage of nurses hold a doctoral degree; hence, more emphasis of academic advancement is necessary to enhance practice-based knowledge in this profession (Nursing as a science, unit 11). In addition, nursing knowledge is categorical in relation to understanding a patient’s needs; therefore, knowledge is a key factor in nursing. Relationship of theory as a guide for nursing knowledge: Nursing theories are used to define the commonalities of different variables, hence assisting in research, and thus predicting outcomes. According to the Newman’s theory of health, consciousness is the ability of human beings to interact with the milieu. In addition, this theory asserts that every individual is a part of the process of expanding consciousness, which entails finding oneself and having a greater meaning of life, thus connecting with other people (Newman, 2005). The nursing field requires advanced knowledge when dealing with patients, hence, when nurses integrate this theory in their practice, they contribute towards the expanding process of the patients, whereby, lives are transformed and changed. Newman (2011) emphasizes that health includes disease, and disease indicates that many of us view health as an absence of disease and have idolatrized health; in that, we seek ways to enhance it. Nevertheless, the author views nursing as a process involving the understanding of consciousness, the result of which is assisting patients to develop a higher level of consciousness. In return, the nurse assists patients to understand the disease process, the recovery process, and its prevention. This theory plays a vital role in contributing to the nursing knowledge, in that, it describes the role of nurses in relation to health as expanding consciousness. Hodgson (1991, p.1504), in his article, emphasizes on the nurses unique position in facilitating patient’s care, especially in coping with working hours and avoiding sleep interruption during sleeping hours. This is an example of an advanced patient care that not only focuses on illness, but also on an individual’s productivity. Describe what is meant by the metaparadigm of nursing. According to Structure of Contemporary, Nursing Knowledge (N.d), “metaparadigm of nursing can be defined as the way in which the profession discipline of nursing delineates and makes public its particular nature and distinguishes itself from the natural, social and human sciences.“ Metaparadigms in nursing include a person who is a patient, an environment in relation to both the internal and external conditions affecting a person, health, which is the degree of illness or wellness of a person, and nursing, which relates to the practices associated with granting care to a patient. Therefore, nursing metaparadigms are a model that shows a clear picture of the nursing theoretical practices. The link between metaparadigm of nursing to my current practice My current practice involves patient care in the hospital; therefore, the four metaparadigms link with my practice. This is evident in that, they convey an important direction pertaining to the nursing profession. Dealing with patients is not an easy task; however, after understanding the metaparadigm of nursing, it enhances my knowledge concerning patient care. It is evident that the metaparadigms of nursing are related to my practice from the patient concept, whereby, I provide care to a patient, and the environment contributes to a patient’s well being whether internal or external. In addition, health determines the patient’s well being or illness and nursing as a practice enables me to care for the patient until he is fit. When caring for a patient, all the four concepts are involved. How your philosophy of nursing impacts the way you provide nursing care According to Structure of Contemporary, Nursing Knowledge (N.d), “philosophy can be defined as a statement encompassing ontological claims about the phenomena of central interest to a discipline, and claims of how those phenomena were known.“ My personal philosophy of nursing entails “providing compassionate& quality care to patients, respecting the patients and being honest with them” (Structure of Contemporary, Nursing Knowledge, N.d). Caring for patients not only requires both knowledge and skills, but also it entails compassion & patience. This profession is a challenging one, and one has to practice patience with the patients. Therefore, it is important for each nurse to have a personal philosophy involving life values that enables her to cope with any situation. My philosophy enables me to clarify my values in relation to my philosophy. In addition, the ethical values I have incorporated assist me in providing patient care effectively. Importantly, a philosophy is a constant reminder of ethics, especially when faced with challenging issues. With time, I have found out that it is easier to adapt to one’s philosophy, hence hard to engage in unethical behavior. Thoughts and observations on whether nursing is unique and has its own body of knowledge It is important to note that patient care cannot be done by anyone, especially where the nursing profession comes in and nurses are expected to provide quality care, as they spend more time with patients as opposed to the doctors. This profession requires advanced knowledge and skills due to the rising cases of special needs in the society, hence, delivering quality healthcare to the society. Nursing is unique in its characteristics, which requires a nurse to be caring, and involves ethical, legal, and psychological components in its practice. It is also a profession that requires one to be mentally fit and to obtain a license in order to practice nursing. Nursing also enjoys a wide recognition and respect from the society, in which it caters for, in addition an individual has to excel well in nursing academics to qualify in taking care of patients. This profession also has controlled entries by governments of different countries, whereby, one must be legally registered to practice nursing. Conclusion Throughout the assignment, nursing has emerged as a profession that is dedicated to patient care, therefore standing out in its practice. It is also worth noting that nursing encompasses philosophies that differentiate it from other professions. In addition, this practice involves knowledge and skills that enable nurses to deliver quality care. However, nursing advancement still rags behind, with only 3% of masters and doctorates in nursing; this is relevantly a small number. Nevertheless, nursing is not only an art and science, but also a profession that is dedicated to the wellbeing of human beings, hence making it unique as a practice. References Hodgson, L. (1991). Why do we need sleep? Relating theory to nursing practice. Journal of advanced nursing, Vol. 16. Retrieved from http://www.mendeley.com/research/we-need-sleep-relating-theory-nursing-practice/#page-1 Nursing as a Science Unit II. Lesson 2, (attached doc) Newman, M. (2011). Health as Expanding Consciousness. Retrieved from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Newman_Health_As_Expanding_Consciousness.html Newman, M. (2005). RN Ph.D.Health as Expanding Consciousness. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtheory.net/gt_healthexpandingconsc.html Roy, C. (2005). Adaptation Model. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtheory.net/models.html Structure of Contemporary, Nursing Knowledge. Unit 11, lesson 1, (attached doc) Read More