As Nurses Gain Experience And Learn More About Science
As Nurses Gain Experience And Learn More About The Science Of Nursing
As nurses gain experience and learn more about the science of nursing and nursing theory, the expected outcome is that nurses will have a deeper understanding of the discipline of nursing that will inform their decision making. Nursing ethics are driven by the values that nurses hold as a collective, but the context of the situation will dictate how those ethics are applied. How has your worldview or philosophy of nursing changed or expanded based on what you learned in this nursing theory course? Discussion Instructions: A page long, APA format, 3 resources from the years 2015 and above.
Paper For Above instruction
The increasing complexity of healthcare and the evolving body of nursing knowledge necessitate that nurses continuously expand their understanding of nursing theories and sciences to enhance their practice and ethical decision-making. My worldview of nursing has been profoundly influenced by this course, leading to an expanded appreciation of the theoretical underpinnings that guide nursing behavior and decision-making processes. Initially, I viewed nursing primarily as a caring profession focused on patient comfort and advocacy. However, through the exploration of various nursing theories, I have come to see nursing as a scientifically grounded discipline that integrates empirical evidence, ethical principles, and humanistic care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
This course underscored the importance of nursing theories in shaping practice and policy. For example, Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasizes the significance of building a caring relationship based on mutual trust and respect, aligning with my belief that authentic connection fosters healing. Learning about Watson’s theory broadened my understanding of the importance of holistic care, which considers emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions alongside physical health. This expanded my approach from task-oriented care to one that integrates the person’s overall well-being, highlighting the importance of empathy and genuine concern in nursing practice (Watson, 2019).
Additionally, acknowledging the influence of cultural competence in nursing was pivotal in this learning process. Roy’s Adaptation Model, which emphasizes respecting individuals' unique adaptive capacity and cultural background, has increased my awareness of the necessity to individualize care plans based on patients’ diverse backgrounds. Recognizing that ethical decision-making often occurs in complex contexts, I now understand that cultural sensitivity is integral to ethical nursing practice. This expanded view emphasizes that ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice must be applied within the cultural and situational context of each patient, thereby respecting their values and beliefs (Alligood, 2019).
Furthermore, this course has strengthened my realization that scientific research and evidence-based practice are the backbone of competent nursing. Recognizing evidence-based practice as an ethical obligation ensures that patient care is grounded in the latest and most effective interventions. The integration of research findings into clinical decision-making aligns with my expanded philosophy of nursing, which now equally values scientific rigor and compassionate care. This dual focus enables nurses to advocate effectively for their patients while maintaining professional integrity rooted in empirical evidence (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
My worldview has also been shaped by the understanding that nursing ethics are not static but dynamically applied based on the context. For instance, ethical dilemmas often involve balancing beneficence and autonomy, which can conflict depending on situational factors. The course emphasized the importance of reflective practice and ethical sensitivity to navigate these complex decisions ethically. In this light, my expanded philosophy of nursing now incorporates a nuanced understanding that ethical practice requires critical thinking, empathy, and cultural competence to respond appropriately to each unique situation.
In conclusion, this nursing theory course has significantly expanded my perspective, transforming my initial view of nursing as a primarily caring and advocacy-based profession into a more comprehensive discipline grounded in science, ethics, and holistic care. I now appreciate the interconnectedness of nursing theories, research, and ethical principles in shaping my practice to deliver patient-centered, culturally competent, and ethically sound care. This enriched worldview will guide my journey as a nurse committed to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and compassionate service.
References
Alligood, M. R. (2019). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (9th ed.). Elsevier.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Watson, J. (2019). Caring science, mindfulness, and the human caring theory. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(3), 259-267.