Borrowed Theories guiding practice - Essay Example

Borrowed Theories Guiding Practice post) Affiliation Patient education is an integral part of an advanced practice nurse (APN). APNs often wonder if the teaching “gets through” to the adult participant. Much new information is usually given at once and it is imperative the adult patient understands the information given (McEwen & Wills, 2014). The theory of adult learning can be applied (Gatti-Petito et al, 2013). Knowles’ theory focuses on andragogy: education of adults. The key factors, when educating adults, rest in creating a learning environment that is comfortable, and ensures mutual trust and respect via the educator and student, openness, and recognition of differences.

Knowles further theorizes adults need to be aware of why they need to learn something. Adults exhibit self-directed concept when learning. Adults have a plethora of experience, which can be conducive to learning new things. Adults want to learn things that may help them solve real-life problems. For adults, learning is problem-centered. Adults are motivated to learn to solve immediate/practical problems (McEwen & Wills, 2014). The theory of adult learning focuses “on the immediate value to the needs of the learner” (Gatti-Petito et al, 2013, p. 273) and problem-solving (Gatti-Petito et al, 2013).

When performing patient education, the APN can employ Knowles concepts and assumptions to creating a successful educational outcome. This will leave the APN satisfied in knowing aspects of the teaching were absorbed. This will also leave the patient self-confident in conquering health issues and being an active, integral participant in their own healthcare.ReferenceGatti-Petito, J., Lakatos, B. E., Bradley, H. B., Cook, L., Haight, I. E., & Karl, C. A. (2013). Clinical Scholarship and adult learning theory: a role for the DNP in nursing education.

Nursing Education Perspectives, 34(4), pp. 273-276.McEwen, M. & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/ Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.