Nursing Science: The Empirical Basis For Professional Nu
Nursing Scienceforms The Empirical Basis For Professional Nursing Prac
Nursing science forms the empirical basis for professional nursing practice. According to the National Research Council (NRC), nursing science also produces information to assess healthcare systems and environments. Improve patient, family, and community outcomes. Theory guides the research process, forms the research questions, and aids in design, analysis, and interpretation. Research without theory results in sensitive information or data which does not add to the accumulated knowledge of the philosophical discipline.
Analyze the definitions of the two significant nursing theorists. What is similar among them? What is different? What concepts found in those definitions are most closely aligned with your perception of nursing? Develop your definition of nursing and compare it to those of the theorists and your classmates.
Please provide two examples of significant contributions made by nursing scientists to improving patient care. The post should be 300 words or less. Observe APA style 7th edition.
Paper For Above instruction
Nursing theories serve as foundational frameworks that guide professional nursing practice by providing conceptual structures to understand patient care, inform research, and develop interventions. Two prominent nursing theorists, Florence Nightingale and Jean Watson, exemplify different but somewhat overlapping perspectives on nursing's purpose and nature.
Florence Nightingale emphasized the importance of environmental factors and hygiene in patient health. Her theory underscores the role of the nurse in manipulating the environment to prevent disease and promote recovery (Nightingale, 1859). She viewed nursing as a managerial role focused on creating the optimal environment for healing. Conversely, Jean Watson’s theory centers on caring as the core of nursing. Her concept of human caring involves establishing genuine relationships, promoting holistic well-being, and fostering a healing environment through compassion and empathy (Watson, 1979). While Nightingale’s approach is more physical and environmental, Watson emphasizes psychological and emotional connections.
Both theorists recognize the importance of holistic care and the nurse’s role in fostering health. However, Nightingale’s focus is more on environmental manipulation, whereas Watson’s emphasizes relational and caring processes. My perception of nursing aligns closely with Watson’s emphasis on caring and emotional connection, seeing nursing as a compassionate, holistic practice aimed at healing beyond physical treatment.
A personal definition of nursing would be: “Nursing is a compassionate, holistic practice that utilizes empirical knowledge, caring, and therapeutic relationships to promote health, restore well-being, and support individuals through their health journey.” This definition incorporates evidence-based practice, emotional support, and the nurturing aspect that resonates with both Nightingale’s and Watson’s views.
Two significant contributions by nursing scientists include the development of evidence-based practice guidelines improving patient safety and outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Additionally, the implementation of patient-centered care models has enhanced satisfaction and recovery rates, emphasizing the importance of compassionate nursing care (Kitwood, 1997). These contributions demonstrate how nursing research continues to positively impact patient care quality and healthcare systems.
References
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Nightingale, F. (1859). Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not. Harrison.
Watson, J. (1979). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. University Press of Colorado.
Kitwood, T. (1997). Dementia reconsidered: The person comes first. Open University Press.
Craig, J. V., & Smyth, R. L. (2012). The evidence-based practice manual for nurses. Elsevier.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work (8th ed.). Elsevier.
Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice-Hall.
Leininger, M. M. (1991). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. Springer Publishing.