Theory practice gap - Essay Example

Theory practice gap due: Discussion one I agree with discussion one about theory-practice gap because it is an evidence-based practice. According to Basford & Slevin (2003), theory affects practice and vice versa, and they are linked (p.328). Theory practice gap is the difference between what the research and the theory argue that should be done in a faulty clinical setting. From this point of view, the theory-practice gap could be linked by practice, hence, getting closer to the ideals of nursing theory through nurses studying and applying research reports.

The gap is as a result of the theory failing to maintain the same pace with the change in the practice and concept of nursing. The theory-practice gap can only be terminated rather than being resolved by starting a new nursing theory concept and a new connection between practice and theory where both communicate and respond to each other. For example, a transformative and collaborative model is used to identify that health care needs of patients are not met in the health care system dominated by medicine.

The transformative model is used to promote visible and active nursing presence, describe and foster medical-nursing collaboration in health care system (Hamric, Hanson, Tracy & OGrady, 2014).Discussion Two I agree with discussion two about theory-practice gap because it has limited the nursing professions from full utilisation of their knowledge in practice. This is because theory based nursing practice relies on the extent of the nurses’ understanding and knowledge of theories and model; and how to implement them in their profession.

Nursing theories and models give a systematic approach and structure to identify important data, interpret information for nursing diagnosis, plan effective nursing care and examine patients through objective analysis, decision making and analysis. In advanced nursing profession, the advanced nurse practitioner handles a variety of patients ranging from community, special population, families and individual. The health care revolution demands that a nurse should show cost effective, high quality and efficient care in health care systems; pushing nurses to advance their studies (Cody & Kenney, 2006).

This has led to hospitals attracting educated nurses who are grounded on graduate level education and clinical training. These advanced nurse practitioners are certified and have direct clinical practice centred on patients and families. Therefore, the role of the advanced nurse practitioner is to give care using evidence-based practice; to improve the health of the patient. To sum this discussion up, I agree that there is a theory-practice gap, and nursing profession has evolved over the years.

This is clear that many nurses are going for further education to achieve master’s degree and specialise in various fields (Mirr & Zwygart-Stauffacher, 2010).ReferencesBasford, L., & Slevin, O. (2003). Theory and practice of nursing: An integrated approach to patient care. Cheltenham, U.K: Nelson Thornes.Cody, W. K., & Kenney, J. W. (2006). Philosophical and theoretical perspectives for advanced nursing practice. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & OGrady, E. T. (2014).

Advanced practice nursing: An integrative approach.Mirr, J. M. P., & Zwygart-Stauffacher, M. (2010). Advanced practice nursing: Core concepts for professional role development. New York, NY: Springer.