Discuss why theories and conceptual models from nursing and related fields are important in advanced nursing practice.
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources published within the last 5 years
Theories and conceptual models form the backbone of advanced nursing practice, providing a structured approach to patient care, research, and education. They offer a systematic way to understand and predict phenomena, guiding nurses in their practice and contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession. Integrating theories and conceptual models from nursing and related fields into advanced nursing practice is crucial for several reasons, including enhancing patient care, guiding research, and informing education.
Firstly, nursing theories and models help improve patient care by offering frameworks that guide the assessment, diagnosis, and intervention processes. For example, the Neuman Systems Model, developed by Betty Neuman, focuses on the patient as an open system that responds to stressors in the environment. This model helps advanced practice nurses (APNs) assess patient stressors and implement interventions to promote stability and health. Similarly, the Orem Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, developed by Dorothea Orem, emphasizes the importance of patients’ self-care abilities. APNs can use this theory to assess patients’ self-care deficits and develop appropriate care plans to enhance their independence and well-being (Smith & Parker, 2020).
The use of theories and models also enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills. By providing a structured approach to patient care, theories help APNs make informed decisions based on evidence and best practices. This is particularly important in complex clinical situations where multiple factors need to be considered. For instance, the Health Belief Model (HBM), which originated in the field of psychology, helps nurses understand patients’ perceptions of health and illness. By applying the HBM, APNs can design interventions that address patients’ beliefs and attitudes, thereby improving adherence to treatment plans and promoting positive health behaviors (Pender, Murdaugh, & Parsons, 2019).
Furthermore, nursing theories and models guide research by providing a conceptual framework for studies. They help researchers identify key variables, formulate hypotheses, and interpret findings. For instance, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), developed by Ajzen, is widely used in health research to predict and understand health behaviors. By incorporating the TPB, researchers can design studies that explore the relationship between attitudes, intentions, and behaviors, leading to the development of effective interventions (Polit & Beck, 2021). This not only advances the scientific knowledge base of nursing but also informs clinical practice and policy-making.
In addition to guiding patient care and research, theories and models inform nursing education by providing a foundation for curriculum development and teaching strategies. They help educators design courses that are based on sound theoretical principles, ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice. For instance, Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Model, which describes the progression of nursing skills through five stages, is widely used in nursing education to tailor teaching methods to students’ developmental levels (Benner, 2001). This model helps educators create learning experiences that are appropriate for students’ levels of expertise, thereby enhancing their clinical competence and confidence.
The integration of theories and models from related fields, such as psychology, sociology, and public health, further enriches advanced nursing practice. These interdisciplinary approaches provide a holistic view of health and illness, taking into account the social, psychological, and environmental factors that influence patients’ well-being. For instance, the Social Ecological Model (SEM) emphasizes the interplay between individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors in health outcomes. By applying the SEM, APNs can develop comprehensive interventions that address multiple levels of influence, leading to more effective and sustainable health improvements (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2015).
In conclusion, theories and conceptual models from nursing and related fields are essential in advanced nursing practice. They provide a structured approach to patient care, enhance critical thinking and decision-making, guide research, and inform education. By integrating these theoretical frameworks into practice, APNs can deliver high-quality, evidence-based care that meets the complex needs of patients and advances the nursing profession.
References
Benner, P. (2001). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice Hall.
Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (2015). Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Pender, N. J., Murdaugh, C. L., & Parsons, M. A. (2019). Health promotion in nursing practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (11th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2020). Nursing theories and nursing practice (5th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.