Theoretical Foundations

Course Information

N395F: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

• Fall Semester 2018
• Faculty: Dr. Gayle Acton

Work Produced

• My nursing practice model
• My personal philosophy of nursing
• Nursing practice model poster presentation
• Nursing practice model paper

Course Description and Objectives

Course Description

This course examines the nature of theory and theory development for nursing practice. The application of theory to practice, practice change, and scholarship are explored in the course.

Course Objectives

1. Synthesize the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of nursing practice.
2. Examine nursing theory and theory of other disciplines relative to nursing practice, practice change, and nursing scholarship.
3. Analyze concepts of social justice, ethical standards and other relevant concepts and their relationship to nursing practice outcomes.

My Nursing Practice Model

My Philosophy of Nursing

(Adapted from an online class discussion: "Each student will post a discussion of your philosophy of nursing. Specifically, articulate your beliefs about person, environment, society, and health and how each relate to the profession of nursing. ")

To discuss my philosophy of nursing, it is important to note my definition of nursing: Nursing is a scientific profession and a calling. Nursing is concerned with the health and wellbeing of all people, and it is a privilege to be a provider of nursing care.

The statement that reflects my own personal philosophy of nursing was written by Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “The way you do anything is the way you do everything.” To me, this means that every action, no matter how small, is a reflection of my personal values and my commitment to those values. The way I do anything is the way I do everything. On a micro level, I routinely tip service people more than 15%, because I believe they deserve a living wage. I return my grocery cart to the store, because I believe I have a personal responsibility to do so. I sweep up after my children make a mess at a restaurant, because I believe my children should learn that we clean up after ourselves.

When it comes to being a nurse and a teacher of nurses, I strive to make sure that the way I do anything is the way I do everything. I value my students and my patients, and the unique perspective they bring. And because I believe my actions reflect my value for my patients and students, I try to make sure that every action I take, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, reflects this value. I put my full effort into every part of my job as a nurse and as a nursing instructor. Grading one individual assignment, for example, is just as important as drafting and crafting a four-hour class.

I believe that all people and all things are interconnected; that we can’t separate the person from their health, or from the environment, or society. Therefore:

Person

Each person the right to nursing care. If the way I do anything is the way I do everything, then I have a duty to provide care to everyone who needs it, regardless of circumstance.

Environment

Because the environment and the people within the environment are interconnected, I believe that the care I take in preserving, protecting and promoting a healthy environment reflects my values as a nurse, and my value of people. To harm the environment (no matter whether we are talking about the environment of care, or the environment of the Earth) would be to harm the people who inhabit it.

Society

A society cannot exist without the people who live in it. That interconnectedness requires that I do my best as a nurse to make sure that our society is a healthy, accepting society that cares for its members.

Health

Health and wellbeing are relative states of being; a person who is dying of cancer can be completely fulfilled, and a person with degenerative joint disease can consider themselves to be healthy. Given that the way I do anything is the way I do everything as a nurse, it is my duty to help people attain and keep the levels of health and wellbeing that make sense for them.

References:

Denehy, J. (2001). Articulating your philosophy of nursing. Journal of School Nursing. 17(1), 1-2.

Rohr, Richard. (2009). The Naked Now. New York: Crossroad Publishing.

The Art and Science of Clinical Excellence Poster