nursing theory important to the nursing profession?

In particular, is it important for nurse

practitioners? Does theory inform nurse practitioner practice? 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? 

Dr. Williams and class,

Nursing theory according to Lee, is a set of definitions, propositions, concepts, and assumptions
constructed from nursing models that assists nurses to predict, describe, explain and work along-
side the patient for the desired outcome (Lee, 2013). Nursing theory is extremely important to
the nursing profession because it provides nursing interventions guided by theory, to improve
patient outcomes and quality of life for them. Using theory in conjunction with evidence-based
practice and person-centered care takes the outcomes to a higher quality. According to Younes &
Quennell, three studies reported that nursing theory interventions created more positive and
effective outcomes than interventions used without theory (Younes & Quennell, 2019). Nursing
theory is important to nurse practitioners because they, in particular due to their nursing
background and skillset, have the power to be a positive influence in their patient’s lives. This is
useful because it will help assist the NP to provide a greater level of care than just working with
the patient along the bedside.

Using nursing theory along with experience, evidence-based practice, caring, kindness, and
understanding the patient’s specific needs can motivate and influence them in a way that can
have a positive impact on them for a lifetime. These special relationships begin with person-
centered care and quality communication that nurtures the patient’s specific concerns, fears,
ideas, and needs. By taking in to consideration the patient’s environment, health history, stress,
anxiety, fear, beliefs, needs and goals, the NP can use theory to create a plan, along with patient
input, to work towards changing and improving patient characteristics for positive lifestyle
changes. According to King’s theory of goal attainment, it is the quality of nursing interactions
that lead to achieving patient goals (Heering, 2018). There is a transaction process that takes
place within nurse-patient interactions. Within these transactions, there are goal-directed
behaviors that should lead to mutual resolutions through proper communication. This process is
very important because it allows the NP to become an advocate for the patient and assist them in
making informed decisions about their health (Heering, 2018). By using the King’s theory
model, the NP can utilize these tools to take healthcare many steps further while holding the
patient’s hand and guiding them through the process, encouraging and supporting them along the
way.

References

Heering, H. (2018). Kings Open Systems Model. Retrieved from https://eds-a-ebscohost-

com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=5&sid=be88bffd-1a9c-4179-bc4d-
476a2e1636aa%40sessionmgr4007&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ
%3d%3d#AN=T903210&db=nup.
Lee, S. W. (2013). Overview of Nursing Theory. Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences.
12(5), 58-7.

Younes, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an integrative
review. Retrieved from https://eds-a-ebscohost-
com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=be88bffd-1a9c-4179-bc4d-
476a2e1636aa%40sessionmgr4007&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ
%3d%3d#AN=138540676&db=a9h.