Briefly discuss how gaining more knowledge of nursing theory through participation in this course has improved your clinical practice thus far. Please be sure to provide specific examples. As a reminder, you do not need to cite scholarly sources as this is a reflection post. Purchase the answer to view it
Gaining knowledge of nursing theory through participation in this course has significantly improved my clinical practice in several ways. It has provided me with a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and concepts that guide nursing care, allowing me to deliver more comprehensive and evidence-based nursing interventions. In this reflection, I will discuss specific examples of how this course has enhanced my clinical practice.
Firstly, learning about the various nursing theories has helped me develop a more holistic approach to patient care. For instance, the application of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has been transformative in my practice. This theory emphasizes the importance of establishing a caring relationship with patients, promoting their overall well-being. By applying Watson’s theory, I have been able to incorporate intentional acts of compassion and empathy into my interactions with patients. For example, during a recent shift, I cared for a patient who was anxious about an upcoming procedure. Instead of just providing the necessary physical care, I took the time to listen to the patient’s concerns, acknowledge their fears, and provide emotional support. This approach not only helped alleviate the patient’s anxiety but also fostered a trusting relationship, enhancing the overall care experience.
Secondly, gaining knowledge of nursing theories has also improved my critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. Understanding the theories has allowed me to analyze complex patient situations more effectively and develop appropriate nursing interventions. For instance, the application of Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory has been particularly valuable. This theory emphasizes the importance of assessing the patient’s ability to meet their own self-care needs and providing interventions to facilitate their optimal functioning. In a recent case, I encountered a patient with a chronic illness who was struggling to manage their medication regimen independently. By applying Orem’s theory, I conducted a thorough assessment of the patient’s self-care abilities, identified areas of deficit, and collaborated with the healthcare team to develop a personalized care plan that included medication education, reminders, and support. This comprehensive approach improved the patient’s self-care abilities and ultimately contributed to better disease management.
In addition to enhancing my patient care skills, gaining knowledge of nursing theory has also improved my communication and collaboration abilities. The theoretical frameworks provided in this course have helped me better understand the perspectives and roles of other healthcare professionals, facilitating effective interdisciplinary teamwork. For example, learning about Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory has given me insights into the different levels of proficiency in nursing practice. This understanding has allowed me to communicate more effectively with colleagues, acknowledging and respecting their expertise while also contributing my own knowledge and skills. Recently, I worked collaboratively with a team of healthcare professionals in the care of a patient with complex medical needs. By applying Benner’s theory, I recognized that certain colleagues had more specialized knowledge in specific areas and actively sought their input. This collaborative approach improved communication among the team, resulting in better coordination of care and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Moreover, gaining knowledge of nursing theory has also influenced my understanding of ethical principles and professional values in nursing practice. For instance, learning about the theory of ethical caring developed by Anne Boykin and Savina Schoenhofer has deepened my understanding of the ethical responsibilities of nurses. This theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships and the recognition of the unique worth and dignity of each individual. Applying this theory to my practice has led me to be more attentive to the ethical considerations in my care provision. For example, I encountered a situation where I had to advocate for a patient’s autonomy and informed decision-making. By incorporating the principles of ethical caring, I ensured that the patient’s preferences and values were respected, promoting their overall well-being.
In conclusion, gaining knowledge of nursing theory through participation in this course has undoubtedly improved my clinical practice in various ways. By adopting a holistic approach, enhancing critical thinking skills, improving communication and collaboration abilities, and understanding ethical principles, I have been able to provide more comprehensive and patient-centered care. The examples provided demonstrate how the theoretical frameworks learned in this course have influenced my practice positively. Continuously integrating nursing theory into my clinical practice will further enhance my abilities as a competent and compassionate nurse.