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Bell 071715 Nurs 7346 Clearandmuddypaper 4
Bell 071715 Nurs 7346 Clearandmuddypaper 4
Module 4 discussed how theory could impact practice for nurse practitioners, specifically
our future practices. Nursing theory encompasses concepts, models, and definitions involving
ideas and relationships concerning certain phenomena for the purposes of explaining, predicting
and/ or describing the occurrence. Many theories utilize frameworks and conceptual models to
guide their research, development, and implementation in practice. Nursing is an ever changing
and constantly evolving field, where attention to theory in practice can prove invaluable,
After the conclusion of this module, the clearest point was the importance of theory to
nurse practitioners and healthcare. Evidence-based practice is medically driven by research, but
nursing needs more. The profession of nursing incorporates ways of knowing which are beyond
quantifiable data. Practitioners draw from personal experiences and even intuition at times.
Nursing is not just an evidence-based field, but also a practice-based field. Theory allows nurse
practitioners to embody these philosophies, further their research and knowledge, and better their
practice.
This modules discussion was very clear on the important role theory has and will play on
the practices of advance practice nurses. Although, I do not understand how theory could not
affect the practice of a primary care nurse practitioner, especially one with an existing knowledge
of theory. This impact may even affect others. In my future practice as a nurse practitioner, my
partner physicians and nurse practitioners may be more evidence-based research inclined, and
my utilization of nursing theory may conflict with their views or beliefs. Physicians, especially,
may not have an adequate understanding of theory. I wonder if this will cause problems for
some practicing nurse practitioners that utilize theory in their practice. From these observations
and conversations, I could ascertain whether their partnering physicians and nurse practitioners
are receptive or not to the utilization and implementation of nursing theory. I can also see the
Nursing theory has established its place in the world of research and nursing. It has
proven itself to be a useful tool, used alongside evidence-based medical research, revealing
human behaviors not quantifiable by numerical data. It gives insight into more cognitive ways of
knowing, such as perceptions, beliefs, and intuitions. Nursing theory reveals insights gained only
through interviews and personal experiences. This data, research and the theories, which develop
from it, give advance practice nurses a vital instrument to use in caring for their patients and