Question

EXPLAIN/DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING CONCEPTS THOROUGHLY.

1. What do nurses think about nursing theories? Explain.
2. How can we promote ethics in nursing? Explain.
3. For you, how can we develop communication in nursing practice? Explain.
4. What reference can you use to define "novice nurse" or "new nurse" and "experienced nurse"? Support your answer.

Answer 1

I believe that most front-line nurses find nursing theories useless. But I would argue that it is due to their not understanding their role as a part of an organic system. Specifically, they are interacting with a person that is faced with changes, that are a part of a system that needs assessed and acted upon. This requires critical thinking to connect the biological , psycho-social and environmental concepts that are interfacing with the person, to draw a conclusion for action. There are theoretical premises that can support the how, why and when to facilitate the nurse's action(s). We do this unconsciously and by habit, thus, not recognizing the true use of thinking that is going on to support the need of theoretical support to enhance use of evidence based practices. You can find research that supports this in the Journal of Nursing Research, Nursing Outlook and Research and Theory for Nursing Practice.

My point is that ethics is not a precise practice. There are too many variables to consider to ensure ethical practice. That is why we follow standards of practice and the law. These are my rules I follow to practice as ethically and legally as possible.

1. Everyone is somebody's someone.

Treat them as such.

2. Treat everyone with respect until they violate rule #1.

3. Educate with facts not opinions.

4. Everyone grieves differently.

Don't take it personally and don't add to their pain.

5. Be honest and accountable.

6. Patients rights and needs (not wants) are the epicenter of good nursing care.

7. Everyone is one perfect storm away from trading places with their patient.

8. When you see injustice; speak up. Don't be afraid to fight for your patients rights.

9. Seek expert council when you are in over your head. (when what is legal doesn't feel ethical and what feels ethical isn't legal) You don't have to decide alone.

How to Improve Your Communication Skills as a Nursing practise:

1. Improve your body language. Body language is essential to effective communication.
2. Become a better listener. For a conversation to be truly successful, listening may be even more important than talking.
3. Avoid interruptions.
4. Exercise patience.
5. Maintain a positive attitude.
6. Keep emotions in check.

Reference to define "novice nurse" or "new nurse" and "experienced nurse:

I think that partly depends on the practice area of the nurse.

Certainly, Benner's Professional Advancement Model is, I think, the classic in the novice to expert discussion.

There are articles out there:

FKowitlawakul, Yanika; From novice to expert. Singapore Nursing Journal, 2013 Jul-Sep; 40 (3): 43-6. (journal article) ISSN: 0218-0995

Dale, Juanita Conkin; Drews, Barbie; Dimmitt, Paula; Hildebrandt, Evelyn; Hittle, Kristin; Tielsch-Goddard, Anna; Novice to Expert: the evolution of an advanced practice evaluation tool. Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, 2013 May; 27 (3): 195-201. (journal article) ISSN: 0891-5245 PMID: 22226737

From Novice to Expert: Chien-Hao Chen; Tzu Chi Nursing Journal, 2013 May; 7: 82-4. (journal article - anecdote, pictorial) ISSN: 1683-1624

Robert, Ruth R.; Petersen, Sandra; Critical thinking at the bedside: Providing safe passage to patients. MEDSURG Nursing, 2013 Mar-Apr; 22 (2): 85-118. (journal article - case study, research, systematic review, tables/charts) ISSN: 1092-0811 PMID: 23802494

A response to: Gardner (2012) From Novice to Expert: Benner's legacy for nurse education. Nurse Education Today 32 (4) 339–340.

McHugh MD; Lake ET; Understanding clinical expertise: nurse education, experience and hospital context. Research in Nursing & Health, 2010 Aug; 33 (4): 276-87. (journal article - equations & formulas, research, tables/charts) ISSN: 0160-6891 PMID: 20645420

Christensen M; Hewitt-Taylor J; From expert to tasks: Expert nursing redefined? Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2006 Dec; 15 (12): 1531-9. (journal article) ISSN: 0962-1067 PMID: 17118075

Bitanga, Marina E.; Austria, Madeleine; Climbing the clinical ladder - one rung at a time. Nursing Management, 2013 May; 44 (5): 23-7. (journal article - pictorial) ISSN: 0744-6314 PMID: 23612683