Reference no: EM133928123

Question

Theory in nursing for many is an abstract concept, which is thought to not be grounded in reality and is better left to PhD students with research papers to write. According to Maxwell (2023) theory guides nursing practice in an overarching way. This makes theory a set of guiding principles that organizes practice and becomes core values for all nurses to follow. Mid-range theory, as described by Reed (2022) is a more specific, science based, narrow scoped theory that relates to practice and feeds an evidence base that provides guidance and direction to improving outcomes.

According to Ribeiro Bitencourt et al (2023), functional theories inform practice and have a positive effect upon outcomes. The formation of NANDA diagnoses form a predictable pattern at the level of bedside care and provide a framework with which to generalize care. Generalizability simplifies practice and allows bedside nurses to perform appropriate assessments and interventions. This also allows the bedside nurse to individualize care through the modularity of these diagnoses.

Chiu et al (2022) explains that theoretical frameworks inform research at a basic level. Chiu describes paradigms as basic sets of beliefs that guide researchers when performing research and forming their research questions. The study confirms that, though theory is not necessarily a requirement of research, it is mostly used as the basis for any research conducted in any field. Research then feeds theory, becoming a cyclic process which provides evidence for the confirmation of theory. This then leads to more research, which refines current and future theory, shaping practice in perpetuity.

1. Do you think the paragraphs above explain well about the relationship between theory and practice? Why or Why not?