Nurses Are Increasingly Considered Knowledge Workers

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Nurses are increasingly considered knowledge workers. We are valued for what we know and how we think rather than what we do. Select one of the nursing theories from your readings this week (or another nursing theory from your textbook). How can you apply your selected theory of professional nursing to your nursing care? Provide specifics using terminology from the theory you selected to explain your use.

The role of nurses as knowledge workers has evolved significantly over recent years, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice. Selecting a foundational nursing theory such as Jean Watson's Philosophy and Science of Caring offers a comprehensive framework for applying knowledge-driven care. Watson's theory emphasizes the humanistic aspects of nursing, focusing on caring relationships and holistic well-being, which can be integrated into everyday nursing practice to enhance patient outcomes.

Applying Watson's theory involves embracing concepts such as "carative factors," which include promoting a trusting relationship, providing genuine presence, and nurturing the patient's dignity. For instance, using the terminology of the theory, a nurse employing Watson’s principles might focus on demonstrating "presence" by actively listening and being emotionally available to the patient. This approach fosters a caring environment that supports health and healing, aligning with the theory’s emphasis on developing caring consciousness and authentic connections.

Furthermore, Watson advocates for the integration of caring science into clinical practice through intentional acts that promote health, healing, and forgiveness. Nurses applying this theory use their knowledge to create a caring-healing environment by applying "transpersonal caring relationships," thus moving beyond task-oriented care to a holistic, person-centered model. This application of nursing knowledge involves understanding the patient's unique psychosocial and cultural context and tailoring interventions accordingly, emphasizing both scientific knowledge and caring practices.

Influencing Healthcare Policy for Improved Access and Equity

The United States Census Bureau (2011) reported that approximately 48.6 million people in the United States lacked health insurance in 2011. Nurses, through their role as educators and advocates, possess a powerful platform to influence legislators and improve healthcare policy to promote access for all Americans. As trusted health professionals, nurses can leverage their frontline experiences to highlight the importance of equitable healthcare services and advocate for policy changes aimed at expanding coverage.

Nurses can influence legislation by engaging in direct advocacy efforts, such as writing policy briefs, participating in legislative visits, and collaborating with professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) to influence health policy decisions. Using their expertise to present evidence-based data on the implications of uninsured populations—such as increased emergency room visits and delayed care—nurses can persuade policymakers to support reforms like expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for community health programs, and implementing policies that address social determinants of health.

Additionally, nurses can utilize their role as educators to inform legislators about the critical need for affordable healthcare and preventative services. Nurse-led community education initiatives can increase public awareness and support for policy changes, creating grassroots momentum that policymakers are more likely to heed. Nurses can also participate in lobbying efforts, providing testimony during legislative hearings, and serving on advisory boards to amplify the voices of underserved populations.

By collaborating across sectors—including healthcare institutions, academic institutions, and community groups—nurses can develop comprehensive strategies that advocate for policy reforms rooted in equitable access and social justice. Emphasizing the professional obligation to promote health equity, nurses' advocacy efforts can contribute significantly to reducing disparities and expanding healthcare coverage, aligning with the broader goals of health justice and human rights.

References

• United States Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. (2011). Health insurance: Highlights: 2011. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov
• Watson, J. (2008). Philosophy and science of caring: A model for holistic nursing practice. University Press of Colorado.
• McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theories and their metaparadigms. Springer Publishing Company.
• ANA. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. American Nurses Association.
• Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert. American Journal of Nursing, 84(3), 402-407.
• Peplau, H. E. (1991). Interpersonal relations in nursing: A conceptual framework for psychodynamic nursing. Springer Publishing Company.
• Leininger, M. M. (2002). Culture care theory: A major theoretical framework for nursing. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 189-192.
• Fawcett, J. (2005). Analysis and evaluation of conceptual models of nursing. F.A. Davis Company.
• Sieloff, C. L. (2012). Leadership and nursing: A reflective practice perspective. Springer Publishing Company.