Class 2 unit 5 assignment
The focus of this Assignment will be to explain how theoretical frameworks influence and advance nursing practice.
Theoretical foundations are important to the development of and advancement in nursing practice. Theories help provide a foundation for nurses to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, beliefs and identify the scope of their responsibilities. 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). Theory serves as a basis for understanding current research findings as well as future directions for advancing nursing practice.
Theory provides a structure for organizing information about phenomena. According to Leininger (1991), theory helps us measure or think systematically by identifying relationships among variables that can be used to define problems solve them or predict outcomes of interventions. It also provides direction for research activities through which new ideas are explored and tested thus making it possible to further develop our understanding about phenomena under study (Leininger 1991). By utilizing theory-based approaches health care professionals can better understand patient needs more effectively plan interventions evaluate outcomes accurately assess risks make decisions regarding patient treatment options etc.(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.(ANCC 2019; Leininger 1991) All these aspects contribute towards advance nursing practice while allowing us gain deeper insight into the world we live in.