Connection between theory and advanced clinical practice
Nursing theory can be used to improve and evaluate the quality of clinical practice in a variety of ways. For example, theoretical frameworks such as Nightingale’s Theory of Nursing can be used to guide nurses’ decisions about patient care and encourage a holistic approach to care that accounts for patients’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Additionally, current theories such as Watson’s Caring Theory can provide direction for nurses on how best to care for their patients emotionally, while Roy’s Adaptation Model can help nurses understand how best to support patients with chronic illness or disability.
Finally, models like Benner’s Novice-to-Expert framework can help inform nurse educators on how best to structure curricula and develop assessment tools that measure competency levels in order for nursing students to become proficient practitioners.