Which science-based theories do you think are the most useful to the DNP-prepared nurse? Why?
REPLY TO DISCUSSION
Nursing theories are a set of predictive models that support nursing practice today. These theories are essential to nursing practice, scientific research and education because they help in determining what is known and any additional skills and knowledge that is needed.
Applying science-based theories in nursing represents an opportunity for nurses to combine experience-associated knowledge with evidence developed based on scientific rigor. The first science-based nursing theory was developed by Martha Rogers and is called the Science of Unitary Human Beings, emphasizing both the scientific nature of nursing and its humanitarian components (Koffi K. et al., 2016). One of the model’s key components is treating each person as irreducible because every individual has a unique set of characteristics that go far beyond understanding the workings of the human body. According to Rogers, nursing and sciences are connected because people can influence their environments and make nursing a naturally scientific field (Koffi, K. et al., 2016). In applying the theory in the practice of a DNP-prepared nurse, it is possible to address burnout, as Rogers underlined the importance of maintaining a safe culture and effective patient-practitioner communication.
Watson’s nursing theory is also concerned with the interplay of scientific knowledge and nursing practice when caring for patients (Pajnkihar et al., 2017). Watson’s nursing theory is also concerned with the interplay of scientific knowledge and nursing practice when caring for patients. According to Henley (2015), nursing is concerned with implementing steps for preventing illness and promoting health using a scientific approach while demonstrating caring as a holistic aspect of nursing. When applied to the practice of a DNP-prepared nurse, the theory encourages professionals to promote patients’ health through knowledge and intervention developed based on scientific findings. However, to ensure the successful implementation of the interventions, the theorists recommend developing caring relationships between nurses and their patients and displaying unconditional acceptance as a method of contributing to the high quality of care.
Henly, S. J., McCarthy, D. O., Wyman, J. F., Stone, P. W., Redeker, N. S., McCarthy, A. M., … & Conley, Y. P. (2015a). Integrating emerging areas of nursing science into Ph.D. programs. Nursing Outlook, 63(4), 408-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2015.04.010
Koffi, K., & Fawcwtt, J. (2016). The two-nursing disciplinary scientific revolutions: Florence Nightingale and Martha E. Rogers. Nursing Science Quarterly, 29(3), 247-250. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318416648782
Pajnkihar, M., Štiglic, G., & Vrbnjak, D. (2017). The concept of Watson’s carative factors in nursing and their (dis)harmony with patient satisfaction. PeerJ, 5, e2940.
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