Assignment for Class 2, Unit 5.
This Assignment will focus on explaining how theoretical frameworks affect and advance nursing practices.
For the advancement of nursing, it is essential to have a solid theoretical base. Theories provide the foundation that nurses need to build their knowledge, abilities, attitudes, values and beliefs, as well as identify what they are responsible for. As stated by the American Nurses Association (ANA), “the nurse’s role is based on an evolving body of knowledge that includes theories from medicine, biology, psychology and other disciplines combined with ethics, philosophy and social sciences” (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2015). It is important to understand the theory in order to better grasp current findings, as well as possible future directions.
The theory provides an organizational structure to organize information on phenomena. Leininger ( 1991) states that the theory is a tool for measuring or thinking systematically. It helps identify relationships between variables which can be utilized to determine problems, solve them or predict results of interventions. The theory also gives direction to research, allowing new ideas to be explored and tested in order for us further understand the phenomena we are studying (Leininger 1991). The use of theory-based approaches allows health professionals to better assess patient needs, plan interventions more efficiently and accurately evaluate results and risks. This helps them make informed decisions on patient treatment.(Leininger 1991)
In summary theoretical frameworks offer insight into the complexity of human behavior enhance our perspective when viewing clinical situations shape our approach in responding to patients’ health issues guide our decision making processes serve as a basis for exploring research questions direct future developments in nursing practice etc.The ANCC 2019, Leininger, 1991. All of these factors contribute to nursing practice advancement while allowing us to gain a better understanding of the world in which we live.