Question

how to close the nursing theory gap

Answer 1

Theory Practice Gap in Nursing:

Nursing as a profession is still recovering from undesirable perceptions from the not too distant past. Positive changes have occurred and continue to advance the image of nursing. These changes include the need to promote the Bachelors of Science degree as entry level for recognition as an RN while promoting graduate level degrees. Additionally, the advancement of nursing as a profession has been challenged with the development of a universal nursing theory. Many of the nursing theories have general consistencies and over lapping themes but lack nursing specific applicability. There is wisdom and truth residing in the recognized nursing theories but they are not entirely specific to the profession of nursing. Their foundational concepts are largely derived from other social sciences such as sociology and psychology. The application of nursing theory to actual nursing has been limited. Historically Nursing has consisted of applying treatments as ordered and developing rapport with the patients. These are essential aspects of health care but RN’s are being discounted in regard to their abilities as medical professionals. It is my contention that without a fundamental nursing theory specific to the overarching principals of nursing there will continue to be an ongoing challenge in recognizing nursing as an autonomous profession. “Despite efforts to improve its academic credentials, the discipline of nursing lacks esoteric expertise, and while an eclectic pragmatism may serve patients well, failure to articulate a distinct theoretical framework exposes nursing to external control. (McCrae, 2011, p. 222)” Defining nursing as a distinct, vital component of the health care system depends upon the creation of a nursing specific theoretical foundation.

Perhaps this dilemma has resulted from the generalized holistic approach that nurse’s associate with patient care. I think that the holistic approach is definable and applicable to nursing procedures. It is acceptable for medical doctors to apply science to diagnosis and treatment and still develop a working rapport with their patients. Similar philosophy of care should be applicable to nursing. So why is the profession of nursing weak in bridging the gap between theory and practice? If nurses are professionals then they administer specialized care. Nursing care is specialized with foundation in theory, and knowledge based skills that are unique to the profession. Without this realization the nursing profession is destined to regress or stagnate within a rapidly changing healthcare system.

           Nursing Knowledge begins with philosophical problems that arise within nursing science. It then considers various solutions with the help of philosophical ideas arguingargues that nurses ought to adopt certain philosophical positions because they are the best solutions to the problems that nurses encounter. The nursing standpoint has the potential to disclose a more complete understanding of human health than the common disease-and-dysfunction views. Because of the relationship to practice, nursing science may freely draw theory from other disciplines and nursing practice unifies nursing research. By redefining theory and philosophy,With a new philosophical perspective on nursing science, the so-called relevance gap between nursing theory and practice can be closed.

Reference:

McCrae, N. (2011, July 23). Whither nursing models? The value of nursing theory in the context of evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary health care.Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68, 222-229. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05821.x