Importance of Theory in Nursing
Importance of Theory in Nursing
Week 1 discussion
Importance of Theory in Nursing
For many students enrolled in NR501, this is an initial course for nursing theory. So, let’s have a debate. Is nursing theory important to the nursing profession? If you believe that it is important, explain why it is useful. If you do not believe that it is useful, explain why nursing theory is not necessary to the profession? Be sure to provide an example that demonstrates your opinion and a scholarly reference (not using the required textbook or lesson) which supports your opinion.
Week 2 discussion
Development of Nursing Knowledge
Debate with classmates on the dominant philosophical schools of thought in nursing (received view and perceived view). Which worldview best encompasses the profession of nursing? Why? Provide an example.
Week 3 discussion
Steps of Concept Analysis
At the end of Week 3 your concept analysis is due. This discussion provides an opportunity to start this assignment. Select a nursing concept, supported by a nursing theory, and address the following components included in a concept analysis:
Definition of concept
Identification of three attributes of the concept
Description of one antecedent and one consequence of the concept
Identification of two empirical referents
Brief explanation of theoretical applications of the concept (How is the concept relevant to a nursing theory?)
This information does not have to be comprehensive but provides a foundation to the upcoming assignment. Be sure to include scholarly references.
Week 4 discussion
Nursing Theory
Identify your specialty area of professional practice. Select a nursing theory from the list of specialty track specific theories provided in the lesson plan or one of your own findings. Address the following: (1) briefly identify concepts of the nursing metaparadigm (remember the selected theory may not include all four concepts); (2) provide an example how the theory could be used to improve or evaluate the quality of practice in your specific setting.
Week 5 discussion
Analysis and Application of a Nursing Model
Select either the PCN Framework or the Chamberlain Care Model.
Consider how the following components would be included in an analysis of the selected model:
Origin of the model
Meaning of the model
Logical adequacy of the model
Usefulness of the model
Generalizability of the model
Degree of parsimony within the model
Testability of the model
What rationale can you provide which validates the selected model as a theoretical framework for nursing practice? Be sure to include scholarly references to support your discussion.
Week 6 discussion
Borrowed (non-nursing) Theories Applied to the Nursing Profession
While the focus of this course is nursing theory, frequently the use of non-nursing or borrowed theories occurs. Identify your future nursing practice area. Discuss how a specific non-nursing (borrowed) theory has been or could be applied by nurses (specific to practice focus) to effectively deal with an issue. Be sure to provide an example of how the non-nursing theory can be used to enhance the selected practice area. Remember to include scholarly reference(s) to support your information.
Potential discussion topic focus areas:
Nurse educator practice issues: student retention, faculty preparation, critical thinking skills.
Nurse leaders or nurse managers – administrative issues: staffing, use of supplies, staff performance.
Family nurse practitioner – clinical practice issues: chronic illness, aging population, social determinants of health.
Healthcare policy practice issues – environmental health, healthy nurse initiative, childhood obesity.
Nursing informatics practice issues – ergonomics, project management, staff development
Week 7 discussion
Nursing Theory Applied to Evidence Based Practice
This week we are focusing on the application of nursing theories to evidence-based practice. In NR 500, you explored an area of interest related to your selected specialty track. You then identified an issue/concern related to that area of interest. For this discussion: select a nursing theory or model that can be used as a framework to support the resolution of your identified issue/concern.
In your initial response, address the following:
How the selected nursing theory or model is relevant to your specialty track
A brief description of the issue/concern
How the selected nursing theory or model can be used to guide the resolution of the issue/concern
Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points. Remember to include at least one outside scholarly source.
Week 8 discussion
Course Reflection and Future Application
Throughout the discussion occurring in this course, a common element has been application of theory. For this final discussion, identify your future professional practice role. Identify one emerging trend related to your future professional practice area. Discuss a current theory or envision a new theory that can be used to support evidence-based change related to the identified emerging change. Remember to use outside scholarly sources to support your initial response.
