Application of Theory to Practice Assignment

This week’s Learning Resources present information about various types of theories. For this Discussion, you will examine some of these theories and evaluate how theory is utilized in research as well as how it informs your nursing practice. To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources focusing on the different types of nursing theories that are relevant to nursing practice.
Locate a scholarly article in the professional nursing literature that discusses a middle-range or practice theory. Determine if the theory is descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive in nature.
With this in mind, consider how nursing theory is utilized in research. For instance, how might this theory be useful for identifying a research problem?
Then, reflect on your nursing practice. As indicated in Chapter 2 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing, theories differ in scope—from the more abstract metatheory and grand theories to the more concrete middle range and practice theories. Brainstorm examples of how theory is applied in your nursing practice. Identify one to share in this Discussion.
By tomorrow 6/6/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references from the list below, include the level one heading as numbered below:

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following: Application of Theory to Practice Essay Assignment

1) Summarize your selected article, identifying the middle range or practice theory utilized, and explaining whether the theory was descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive. (Include the APA citation for the article.) (SEE ATTACHED PDF)

2) Describe the value of theory for nursing research. Be specific.

3) Share an example of how theory is applied in your nursing practice.

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). A theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Chapter 2, “Overview of Theory in Nursing”

Chapter 2 presents the evolution of nursing theory and examines the different types of theories that serve as a foundation for nursing practice.

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and Generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 5, “Research Problem and Purpose”

Chapter 5 explores a process for identifying, selecting, and refining research topics and articulating the purpose of the research.

Algase, D. (2009). The centrality of theoretical thinking and the value of empirical evidence. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 23(4), 251–252. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.23.4.251

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article explores the concept that humans are natural theorists along with the importance of using empirical evidence to support theories.

Gould, D, Moralejo, D., Drey, N., & Chudleigh, J. (2010). Interventions to improve hand hygiene compliance in patient care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This systematic review examined recent hand hygiene intervention studies seeking to improve hand hygiene compliance.

Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Katherine Kolcaba Comfort theory: A unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538–544.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

The use of Comfort Theory by a not-for-profit New England hospital to provide a coherent and consistent pattern for enhancing care and promoting professional practice when applying for Magnet Recognition Status is described in this article.

McCurry, M. K., Revell, S. M. H., & Roy, S. C. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the individual and society: Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–52. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2009.00423.x

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article explores many facets of the social concept of nursing, and how nursing contributes to the good of society. The philosophical underpinnings, perspectives, goals, and application to the practice of the social mandate are examined.

O’Connell, K. (2009). Theories used in nursing research on smoking cessation. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 2733–2762. doi:10.1891/0739-6686.27.33

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article identifies theories, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual models that can be applied to a specific topic. In addition, the article discusses ways nurses can devise new theories through their expert knowledge of clinical issues.

Optional Resources

Brilowski, G., & Wendler, M. (2005). An evolutionary concept analysis of caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 50(6), 641–650.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Connor, M.J. (2004). The practical discourse in philosophy and nursing: An exploration of linkages and shifts in the evolution of praxis. Nursing Philosophy, 5(1), 54–66. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2004.00152.x

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Falk-Rafael, A. (2005). Advancing nursing theory through theory-guided practice: The emergence of a critical caring perspective. Advances in Nursing Science, 28(1), 38–49.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Knight, C. M., Moule, P., & Desbottes, Z. (2000). The grid that bridges the gap. Nurse Education Today, 20(2), 116–122. doi:10.1054/nedt.1999.0374

Application of Theory to Practice Essay Assignment Discussion

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.Bottom of Form

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