Nursing should not ‘borrow’ theories from other disciplines.” Refute this statement by providing specific examples from your current nursing practice. Describe the importance of increased nursing collaboration with other disciplines. Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Introduction:
Nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession that requires the utilization of various theories and concepts from different disciplines. While some argue that nursing should not borrow theories from other disciplines, this assertion goes against the evolving nature of nursing practice. In this post, I will refute the statement that nursing should not borrow theories from other disciplines by providing specific examples from my current nursing practice. Moreover, I will discuss the importance of increased nursing collaboration with other disciplines.
Rebuttal:
Nursing is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon knowledge and theories from various disciplines to enhance patient care. Many nursing theories have their roots in other disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology. For instance, the Theory of Human Caring, introduced by Jean Watson, borrows concepts from psychology to emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and interpersonal relationships in nursing practice (Gigliotti, 2012). This theory has been widely adopted and has guided my own practice as a nurse, enabling me to provide holistic care to my patients.
Moreover, theories and concepts from disciplines such as sociology and anthropology are crucial in providing culturally competent care. Understanding the social determinants of health, cultural practices, and beliefs of diverse populations allows nurses to tailor their care to meet the unique needs of individual patients. By integrating theories from these disciplines into nursing practice, I have been able to develop a deeper understanding of my patients’ cultural backgrounds and deliver care that respects and values their beliefs and practices.
Additionally, borrowing theories from other disciplines is essential in addressing complex health issues. For instance, the theory of self-efficacy, derived from psychology, has been widely utilized in nursing to empower patients towards self-management of chronic diseases (Bandura, 1994). By integrating this theory into my practice, I have witnessed positive outcomes in patients who were previously struggling with their chronic conditions. The adoption of theories from other disciplines has allowed me to provide evidence-based care and improve patient outcomes.
Furthermore, nursing collaboration with other disciplines is not only beneficial but also necessary. The complexity of modern healthcare demands a multidisciplinary approach to address the diverse needs of patients. For example, in a cardiac care setting, a collaborative approach involving cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and physical therapists can optimize patient care outcomes. Each discipline brings its unique expertise and contribution to the team, allowing for a holistic and comprehensive approach to patient care.
Collaboration with other disciplines also enhances the understanding of nursing practice and expands the knowledge base of the profession. By working with professionals from different disciplines, nurses gain insights into new research findings, technologies, and interventions that can be integrated into their practice. This interdisciplinary collaboration promotes continuous learning and growth within the nursing profession.
Moreover, collaboration between nursing and other disciplines can lead to improved patient safety and quality of care. In a study by Xyrichis and Lowton (2008), collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals was found to enhance communication, increase shared understanding, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. For example, in a surgical setting, collaboration between nurses and surgeons can lead to effective teamwork and reduce the risk of surgical errors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, nursing should not avoid borrowing theories from other disciplines, as doing so supports the evolving nature of nursing practice. By incorporating theories from other disciplines into nursing, practitioners can provide holistic, culturally competent, and evidence-based care to their patients. Furthermore, collaboration with other disciplines enhances the understanding and knowledge base of nursing, leading to improved patient outcomes, quality of care, and patient safety. Therefore, nursing should actively embrace collaboration with other disciplines to advance the profession and deliver the best possible care to patients.