Nsg 324

Introduction to Professional Nursing

Maureen Hammond

Metacognitive Journal 1: Thoughts on Nursing Theory

Introduction

I will be presenting my thoughts on Nursing Theory formulated during and after

reading. I will evaluate which elements of reasoning I used to reach my conclusions in

regards to Nursing Theory.

Thoughts and Feelings

I have been a staff nurse for twenty-three years of which 18 has been in surgical

services. Initially I would say that nursing theory is not at all applicable to my nursing

practice on a day-to-day basis. I feel that nursing theory development was academia's

way of justifying their high paying jobs. Possibly, our insecurity with our profession has

led us to develop such a plethora of nursing theories. Truth be told the phrase, “Nursing

Theory” would at best make me want to roll my eyes or stick my fingers down my throat

in jest. The above thoughts and feelings reflect what would go through my mind given

the phrase, nursing theory.

Elements of Reasoning

I would say that I used deductive reasoning to formulate my thoughts on nursing

theory. None of these premises were based on facts only feelings I had regarding that
subject. Upon reading some of the individual theorist’s concepts have opened my mind

to seeing the applicability of nursing theory to my daily nursing practice. Both grand

theories and mid-range theories come in to play in my care of the surgical patient. As I

read through the major concepts and definitions of various theorists such as; Sister

Callista Roy, Dorothea Orem, Pamela Reed and Katherine Kolcaba I realized that their

ideas were relevant to my practice. This observation was arrived at through introspection

on my part.

Conclusion

Most of my classmates that I talked to had similar feelings about, “Nursing

Theory”. I would be interested to know if their thought processes changed or if their

feelings remained the same after their readings. Speaking for myself, it was a bit

surprising that I came to see the connection between theory and my practice. I also

enjoyed reading their biographical information, their major concepts, and definitions.

Despite these insights do not expect to see a theory being developed with my name

attached.