Importance of Theory

Importance of Theory

Theories create a difference in health care. “In nursing, theories are systematic explanations of events in which constructs and concepts are identified; relationships are proposed; and predictions are made to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe practice and research. Without nursing theory, nursing activities and interventions are guided by rote, tradition, some outside authority, or hunches, or they may simply be random” (McEwen, & Wills, 2014, 72). The foundation of nursing profession is rooted in theory. Through theory, nursing has emerged as independent, self-directed practicing profession leading to innovations and evidence-based practice. The idea of nursing theories stems from the extensive work of Florence Nightingale whose belief and values lied in cleanliness, fresh air, sanitation, comfort, and socialization that is necessary to healing (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Each of the key nursing theorists who have contributed to the excellence of professional nursing practice adopts the four key concepts that are essential to the practice of nursing: person, environment, health and nursing (Hood, 2010). This paper aims at identifying the importance of theory in relation to Sister Callista Roy and her adaptation model.

Importance of nursing theory to the nursing profession

Nursing theories and models are like the life line for the nursing profession; without theory, nursing will continue to depend on borrowed theories and principles that fail to capture the real meaning of the nursing profession. Theories guide practice making it more efficient and more effective, and the ultimate benefit of theory application in nursing is the improvement of patient care (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Nursing contributes ex...

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References:

Li-Lin, C., Hsing-Fang, K., & Shi-Fang, P. (2013). A nursing experience of applying roy's adaptation model to a patient with laryngeal cancer [Chinese]. Tzu Chi Nursing Journal, 12(2), 91-101.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Nayback, A. (2009). PTSD in the combat veteran: Using roy's adaptation model to examine the combat veteran as a human adaptive system. Issues In Mental Health Nursing, 30(5), 304-310. doi:10.1080/01612840902754404

Parker, M. E., & Smith, M. C. (2010). Nursing theories and nursing practice (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company

Yi-Wen, C., Ya-Wen, S., & Miin-Rong, H. (2013). A nursing experience of an amputated patient with peripheral arterial occlusive disease [Chinese]. Tzu Chi Nursing Journal, 12(1), 108-117.