Influence Of Theory On Nursing Practice

The Influence of Theory on Nursing Practice:

A Reflection Utilizing Carper's Pattern of Knowing The discipline of nursing has long attempted to establish itself as a professional identity with a distinct knowledge base. In order for nursing to separate itself from other professions, it must inaugurate foundational nursing theory. Theory is an essential component to the nursing profession, because it defines and clarifies nursing concepts, and the purpose of nursing practice, which distinguishes nursing from other caring professions (McEwen, 2011). Additionally, "theory offers structure and organization to nursing knowledge and provides a systematic means of collecting data to describe, explain, and predict nursing practice" (McEwen, 2011, p. 23). Theory is the foundational component to the complex, continuously evolving nursing profession, as it enhances nursing knowledge, guides nursing practice and research, and helps in establishing and advancing the identity of the profession of nursing.

204), which focuses on matters of obligation. This pattern of knowing is a vital component to my nursing practice, and is demonstrated in Thomas Beauchamp and James Childress' Theory of Principlism. Principlism is an ethical theory that encompasses four key principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice (Lee, 2010). Similarly, these four principles make up the ethical foundation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (CNA, 2017). Therefore, some ways I apply the theory of principlism in my nursing practice is by being accountable for my actions (autonomy), providing pain relief to patients following surgery (beneficence), holding a medication that is making my patient nauseous (nonmaleficence), and advocating and acting in the best interest of my patient (justice). I include principlism in every patient interaction, as it serves as an ethical guide to my nursing