Please ensure that you read chapters 27 and 28 in your Smith and Parker (2015) textbooks. In your reflection paper discuss concepts related to this week nursing theorists that are presented in chapters 27 and 28. The reflective statements are to help students recognize and understand the nature, scope and limits of scientific thinking and research. Your paper should be limited to no more than 2-3 paragraphs.
In chapters 27 and 28 of the Smith and Parker (2015) textbooks, several nursing theorists are discussed with respect to various concepts. The concepts covered pertain to the nature, scope, and limits of scientific thinking and research in the field of nursing. These concepts include the importance of theory in guiding nursing practice, the role of research in advancing nursing knowledge, and the significance of evidence-based practice in improving patient outcomes.
One of the key concepts highlighted in these chapters is the significance of theory in guiding nursing practice. Theorists such as Florence Nightingale and Virginia Henderson emphasized the importance of having a theoretical framework to guide nursing interventions. Nightingale’s Environmental Theory focuses on the impact of the environment on patients’ health and well-being, while Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory emphasizes the nurse’s role in assisting patients to meet their basic needs. By understanding these theories and applying them in practice, nurses can provide holistic and patient-centered care.
Another important concept discussed is the role of research in advancing nursing knowledge. The textbooks mention several nursing theorists who contributed to the development of nursing research, including Hildegard Peplau and Dorothea Orem. Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory emphasized the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient, while Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory focused on the role of the nurse in assisting individuals to meet their self-care needs. These theories provided a foundation for nursing research, which has contributed to the evidence base for nursing practice.
Moreover, the significance of evidence-based practice (EBP) is discussed in these chapters. EBP involves making decisions about patient care based on the best available evidence combined with clinical expertise and patient preferences. The textbooks mention theorists such as Jean Watson and Patricia Benner, who emphasized the importance of incorporating research findings into clinical practice. By using evidence-based interventions, nurses can ensure that they are providing the most effective and efficient care to their patients.
In conclusion, chapters 27 and 28 of the Smith and Parker (2015) textbooks cover several nursing theorists and concepts relevant to scientific thinking and research in nursing. The importance of theory in guiding nursing practice, the role of research in advancing nursing knowledge, and the significance of evidence-based practice are key concepts discussed. By understanding and applying these concepts, nurses can enhance their clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.