Nursing Theory in Nursing Practice

twopurpleskittles · Feb 24, 2013

I can safely say that all nurses practice nursing theory as they provide nursing care. The proven theories of safe needle handling to decrease sticks, hand washing to decrease the spread of infection, 5 rights of med admin so we don't dope the wrong dude, etc... that list goes on forever! Lol. I hope this helps. :)

Palliative Care, DNP · Feb 24, 2013

I will honestly say I hated every moment of the theory classes I have had to complete. They are boring and no I do not go to work thinking "what would Faye Abdallah do?" I think many of the Grand theories are out there. Infection control etc yes we use daily but overall I felt like theory was a case of BS & waste of time.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 24, 2013

Hi everyone,
I'm currently pursuing my BSN and my nursing theory class requires us to interview 2 nurses about whether or not they use nursing theory in their practice...
So do you use nursing theory in your practice?
If so, why and how does it benefit/add to your everyday practice?
If not, why not?
Thank you so much! I appreciate any feedback!

Since I absolutely LOVED Nursing theory. I am a Patricia Benner geek :)

Novice to Expert shapes how I assess my practice, my colleagues, as well as my patients.

For example, I was an LPN for seven years. I reached to a Proficient status. I was able to start to put things together, comfortable with independent decisions that can benefit my patients, and can collaborate on my team effectively about plans of care for my patients.

I am now a new grad and am back to Beginner status, I recognize that I am utilizing the same characteristics of a Novice, and have accepted that aspect. Once I get enough of my current experience withing 2-3 years, I will be very comfortable because of my background Proficient status.

When it comes to patient teaching, you can utilize these aspects as well, especially in Pediatric nursing. I have taught patents on the aspects if their child's illness, and have seen parents very proficient in their child's care. One if my patients parents has managed their child's condition for five years and was great about obtaining new knowledge and building on it.

As far as co workers, I have collaborated with my preceptor on my learning style, based in my experience. She is proficient in her profession. When I had to precept with another nurse for one day, she was an advanced beginner, but had great resources that she uses. It also helps that my institution uses the clinical ladder model, which is based on Benner's theory, making an atmosphere conducive to constant education and the ability and flexibility to teach.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2013

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

I am not so sure that your nursing theory class would appreciate you interviewing someone one an anonymous website , who may or may not actually be a nurse....as an adequate fulfillment of the assignment's objectives.

It is easy to find nurses to interview....go to your PCP's office, your local school system, the CVS minute clinic, your local department of health or senior center. The interview process in important to nursing in everyday practice and learning how to conduct a productive interview is a skill.

I think that your instructors intention with this assignment was a face to face interview. I personally like to encourage student regardless of what level of education, to become the best practitioner they can be and sometimes that does not include the internet. But I am old school....:)

I wish you the best on your nursing journey.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2013

Me, I'm an Orem fan. Much of what I do is because that's how I think of nursing.

I don't usually recommend Wikipedia as a resource, but often the articles contain links to real literature, and you can cite them.

If you search "nursing theories" there you'll find a lot of them. Scroll through a few and see if any catch your fancy.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2013

I don't either.......but every now and then there's good stuff. I have also found many of the nursing sources that were free in the recent past are charging....grrrrrrrrr.