This week we are going to expand our horizons even further. We have our final reflection assignment. I would like for everyone to incorporate their knowledge from this course and reflect on a theory or concept that you could develop as a nursing professional. If you could develop your own personal nursing theory, what would it be? How would you use it?
Title: The Development and Application of a Personal Nursing Theory: A Reflective Exploration
Introduction:
As a nursing professional, the ability to develop and apply a personal nursing theory holds immense value. In this assignment, I will reflect upon the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and propose the development of my own personal nursing theory. This theory will serve as a conceptual framework to guide and inform my practice, incorporating principles and concepts gained from this course. By critically examining various theoretical perspectives and synthesizing them with my own experiences, this assignment aims to provide insights into the formulation and potential utilization of a personal nursing theory.
Background:
Nursing theories provide a systematic and coherent approach to guide nursing practice, education, research, and policy development. These theories not only enhance understanding of nursing as a discipline but also shape the holistic care provided to individuals, families, and communities. However, existing nursing theories, although comprehensive in nature, may not fully align with the unique experiences and perspectives of individual practitioners. Developing a personal nursing theory enables practitioners to integrate their own values, beliefs, experiences, and insights, leading to a more personalized and authentic nursing practice.
Development of Personal Nursing Theory:
The development of a personal nursing theory begins with a critical self-reflection, including an examination of one’s beliefs, values, and experiences. For example, my own experiences working in a pediatric oncology unit have provided valuable insights into the emotional and psychological needs of children and families facing significant health challenges. This reflection allows nurses to identify key themes and concepts that resonate with their personal values and experiences.
Next, the process involves an exploration and analysis of established nursing theories and frameworks to identify commonalities, gaps, and areas for integration. For instance, the Transcultural Nursing theory by Madeleine Leininger emphasizes cultural competence and the provision of culturally congruent care. Integrating this concept into my personal nursing theory would foster a greater appreciation for the influence of cultural beliefs on health outcomes and guide my practice in addressing diverse patient needs ethically and effectively.
In addition, the analysis of existing theories should extend beyond nursing to draw insights from other disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and philosophy. The incorporation of interdisciplinary knowledge enriches the personal nursing theory, enabling a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. For instance, borrowing from the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from psychology, my personal nursing theory could emphasize the fulfillment of physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs as fundamental elements of nursing care provision.
The process of developing a personal nursing theory also involves incorporating evidence-based practices and staying updated with current research findings. The integration of evidenced-based knowledge empowers nurses to provide high-quality care and deliver positive patient outcomes. For example, incorporating the principles of trauma-informed care into my personal nursing theory would ensure the provision of care that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma experiences on health, fostering a safe and supportive healing environment.
Utilization of Personal Nursing Theory:
Once developed, a personal nursing theory serves as a guiding framework for professional practice, education, and research. In practice, this theory would shape my approach to patient care across various healthcare settings by providing a lens through which to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing interventions. For instance, if my personal nursing theory places a strong emphasis on patient empowerment, I would actively involve patients in decision-making processes, facilitate their participation in care planning, and promote their autonomy and self-determination.
Furthermore, the utilization of a personal nursing theory extends to the educational realm. By sharing and discussing their personal theories, nursing professionals can contribute to the collective knowledge of the nursing community, fostering critical thinking and intellectual growth among peers. Incorporating personal nursing theories in nursing education also promotes the development of self-awareness and reflexivity among future nurses, enhancing their empathy, cultural competency, and person-centered care practices.