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The Influence of Theories on Nursing Experiences The Influence of Theories on Nursing Experiences Theories are an important element in nursing practice and they influence nursing experiences differently. This paper discusses how different theories can influence nursing experiences. The Stress Adaptation theory influences nursing by integrating the biological, environmental, socio-cultural, psychological and legal-ethical aspects of general patient care. The theory’s assumption that health/illness and adaptation/maladaptation are two distinct continuums can inform ill-health prevention and health promotion measures.

For example, nurses can use the stress adaptation theory to establish the predisposing factors of high blood pressure and decide on the most viable coping resources for a patient such as physical exercise (Kollak & Suzie, 2006). The theory of human motivation and hierarchy of human needs influences nursing by enhancing an understanding of the individual and environmental factors of patients’ medical conditions. For example, in regards to Maslows’ safety needs, some patients go to hospital seeking to be checked whether they have contracted a bacteria from a person who was coughing or sneezing near them.

This can be the fear of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a nurse can notice it using the knowledge of this theory and decide on how to reassure the patient of his or her safety (George, 2011). The theory of personality development influences nursing by strengthening nurses’ understanding of patient behavior and development. For example, locomotor theory is Erickson’s theory of personality development that can help pediatricians understand the behavior of children especially their desire to control their body functions and the environment.

The theory of personality development like that of Sigmund Freud can help nurses understand sources of certain malignancies that can be evident in patients and hence they can enhances response to such patients’ conditions. Persons who are at different stages of personality development view health factors differently and nurses can use this knowledge for example to invite parent’s monitoring in a child’s condition (MacKenna & Slevin, 2008). Communication theory influences nursing by facilitating compassionate patient care through the use of words and behaviors that demonstrate care and concern for patient’s issues.

The theory provides nurses with the knowledge of effective communication that they can use to obtain patient information, use it to understand the patient’s condition and give appropriate feedback. The theory can equip nurses with an understanding of the different patterns and attitudes that are an important element in interpersonal relationships. For example nurses can use the knowledge of communication theory to establish patients’ attitudes that draw from their cultural backgrounds such as associating obesity with the rich and wealthy and decide on how best to make them understand that obesity can affect the poor too (Basavanthappa, 2007).

The influence of change theory on nursing experience is seen in its impact on helping achieve desired change in lifestyle that promotes good health. For example, a nurse can use the concept of driving forces in helping a patient to overcome drug abuse by advising them to avoid certain company or places that will predispose the individual to going back to his or her addiction. Change theory’s idea of restraining forces can help nurses to anticipate and prepare for the things that can work against the chosen course of treatment or ill-health prevention.

For example, self-defeatist thoughts can hinder a patient from taking up habits which promote good health and nurses can use the knowledge of change theory to impress positive thoughts on such a patient (Kollak & Suzie, 2006). In conclusion, different theories can influence nursing experiences differently. Stress adaptation theory will enhance an understanding of the predisposing factors for a given medical condition and how to cope with it. Change theory will help inform how to move from health threatening behaviors to ones that promote health.

ReferencesBasavanthappa, B. (2007). Nursing theories. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers. George, J. (2011). Nursing theories: the base for professional nursing practice. Upper Saddle River, N, J.: Pearson Education. Kollak, I. & Suzie, H. (2006). Nursing theories: conceptual & philosophical foundations. New York: Springer Pub. Co. McKenna, H. & Slevin, O. (2008). Nursing models, theories and practice. Oxford: Blackwell Pub.