Title: Nursing Research, Practice, and Theory: An Interconnected Cycle
Introduction:
Nursing as a profession has undergone significant growth over the years, with a strong focus on evidence-based practice. Nursing research, practice, and theory are considered interconnected components that strengthen the discipline. This essay aims to critically examine the statement that entry into the nursing cycle can be made from any point. Specifically, this paper will argue from the perspective that nursing practice is founded upon the theories that are validated through research, and research further validates and modifies theory.
Background:
Nursing theory provides a framework for understanding and guiding nursing practice. It encompasses a comprehensive view of nursing by delineating its concepts, assumptions, and relationships. Theories such as holistic nursing theory, self-care theory, and social determinants of health theory help nurses to understand patients’ needs, make clinical decisions, and provide appropriate interventions (Alligood, 2017; McEwen & Wills, 2014). These theories are developed through a synthesis of research findings, professional expertise, and clinical experience.
Research in nursing is crucial for the development and validation of nursing theories. It helps to provide scientific evidence to support or refute theoretical propositions. Through research, nursing scholars investigate various aspects of patient care, interventions, and outcomes. This empirical evidence allows for the modification, refinement, or development of theories based on the findings (Polit & Beck, 2017). Consequently, the continuous cycle of research and theory helps to advance the knowledge and understanding of nursing practice.
Discussion:
Nursing practice is based on the principles and concepts derived from nursing theories. The integration of theory into practice ensures that nursing care is evidence-based and promotes the provision of high-quality patient care (Fawcett, 2018). For example, Jean Watson’s theory of human caring emphasizes the importance of forming a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship to facilitate healing (Watson, 2008). Nurses who embrace this theory incorporate caring behaviors into their practice by establishing trust, showing compassion, and actively listening to their patients’ concerns. By applying the theory in practice, they contribute to enhancing patient outcomes and experiences.
Moreover, nursing theories also guide the development of research questions and hypotheses. Theoretical frameworks provide a conceptual basis to explore phenomena of interest in nursing practice. By aligning research with theoretical perspectives, researchers can investigate related variables and establish empirical evidence for or against theoretical propositions. For example, understanding the impact of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction can be guided by Orem’s self-care theory, which emphasizes the importance of communication in promoting patient outcomes (Orem, 2001). The research findings would add to the body of scientific knowledge, strengthen or modify the theory, and contribute to evidence-based nursing practice.
On the other hand, research plays a crucial role in validating and modifying nursing theories. Nursing theories are not static; they undergo refinement and evolution as new knowledge emerges. Research serves as the dynamic force that tests, verifies, or refutes theoretical assumptions and propositions (Chinn & Kramer, 2018). For example, a research study exploring the use of complementary therapies in pain management among cancer patients may provide evidence to support or modify existing theories related to pain and symptom management. The findings will contribute to the evolution and improvement of nursing theory and its integration into practice.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nursing research, practice, and theory form a cyclic relationship that constantly evolves and strengthens the discipline. Nursing practice is built upon theories that are validated through research, and research further validates and modifies theory. Nursing theories provide a foundation for evidence-based practice, guiding nurses in their decision-making process. Research, in turn, supports the refinement and modification of theories, ensuring that nursing theory remains relevant and responsive to the changing healthcare landscape. Therefore, it is vital for nurses to understand and engage in all three components of the nursing cycle to enhance the quality of patient care and nursing knowledge.
References:
Alligood, M. R. (2017). Nursing theorists and their work. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Chinn, P. L., & Kramer, M. K. (2018). Knowledge development in nursing: Theory and process. Elsevier.
Fawcett, J. (2018). Analysis and evaluation of contemporary nursing knowledge: Nursing models and theories. FA Davis.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Orem, D. E. (2001). Nursing: concepts of practice. Mosby.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring (revised edition). University Press of Colorado.
