I am in my first semester of a PT FNP program. We are currently enrolled in a research and a theory class. I have to say that I find these classes to be painful, boring and borderline WORTHLESS!!! Seriously, why am I being forced to read about non-nursing related philosophers, argument structures, nursing theories, blah blah etc!! I feel like NP programs are already jammed packed enough with pertinent classes like advanced patho, pharm, and health assessment that could be broken up into two classes and studied in more detail! Instead, we waist an entire semester on this?!?!? Enough with the filler classes!!!
Three years from now when I am beginning my career as a brand new FNP, will I look back on my graduate education and think, "Oh that research and theory class was truly worthwhile and an enrichment to my education," eh, maybe. OR, will I look back and wish I had had more time in health assessment or advanced pharm.....only time will tell.
I teach theory in an RN-BSN program and that is how I approach it. We study the history of nursing thought -- looking at the key elements that each major theorist brought into our profession and how they shaped the profession and discipline. We start with Nightingale at the beginning of the semester and end up with contemporary middle-range theory and the use/development of theory in Professional Practice Models in Magnet hospitals.
I have always said that the problem is not that nursing theory should be eliminated -- or that it shouldn't be a required class. The problem is that most teachers don't put it in perspective. They approach it wrong. It's being badly taught -- but a GOOD theory course should still be required so that we are all knowledgable about our the theoretical foundations of our practice.
My biggest complaint is that these were undergraduate courses and I had enough of them. It was redundant and expensive to have to continue to take this kind of course in grad school when there were more important subjects that were under represented like prescribing, imvho.
My biggest complaint is that these were undergraduate courses and I had enough of them. It was redundant and expensive to have to continue to take this kind of course in grad school when there were more important subjects that were under represented like prescribing, imvho.
I agree that a graduate level course should be different from an undergraduate one. That's just one more example of poor teaching, in my opinion. A graduate level course should focus on things like theory analysis, the use of theories as a foundation for a reseearch or practice project, the role of the advanced practitioner in testing theory, etc. The course should go a few steps further than the undergraduate level course.
I just graduated (in August) from an NP program, so this is all fresh in my mind. I understand your frustration with these classes but in hindsight they are actually useful and informative. I agree with other posters that the ability to evaluate research is an enormous benefit of these classes. I also appreciate the value of theories, although, I have not had much of a chance to apply them yet.
In short, throughout your program, you will encounter assignments and classes that you may not feel are important but in the end you will find value in everything you learn. Just keep an open mind and don't try to judge the experience too quickly or harshly. Enjoy the experience and opportunity to gain additional knowledge and insight.
I think the majority of people have a similar feeling "how will this benefit me as a NP" ...however, in all MSN programs, they have core classes. These prepare you to think like a masters prepared nurse. Many of the posters above touch on various aspects of the benefits of these classes. Maybe you can take the time now to enjoy not being so "challenged" and if you have the time, start reading up on patho. Good luck through the rest of your program.
So, I'm starting a new position working on a research project involving inpatient care. Thank goodness I'm familiar with common research terms or I could feel really stupid at this point! I am no lover of T&R but I know enough about the research process, types of studies, levels of evidence, consenting of participants, etc. to have an intelligent discussion about this current project.
I would like to see a dual focus on evidence-based practice and medical research in general with nursing theory. The two should not be mutually exclusive. I do feel that an exclusive focus on nursing theory at the expense of evidence-based practice would be a loss. A nurse practitioner is expected to excel at both!
Jules A, MSN
8,864 Posts
My biggest complaint is that these were undergraduate courses and I had enough of them. It was redundant and expensive to have to continue to take this kind of course in grad school when there were more important subjects that were under represented like prescribing, imvho.