NR501 Week 1 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 1: Importance of Theory in Nursing
104104 unread replies.129129 replies.
For many students enrolled in NR501, this is an initial course for nursing theory. So, let’s have a debate!!! Is nursing theory important to the nursing profession? If you believe that it is important, explain why it is useful. If you do not believe that it is useful, explain why nursing theory is not necessary to the profession? Be sure to provide an example that demonstrates your opinion and a scholarly reference (not using the required textbook or lesson) which supports your opinion.
Hello and Welcome to Week 1 Threaded Discussion
Class, you may begin posting in this TD for credit on December 31st, 2017.
Class officially starts on January 1st, 2018.
Week 1 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
For many students enrolled in NR 501, this is an initial course for nursing theory. So, let’s have a debate!
Is nursing theory important to the nursing profession?
If you believe that it is important, explain why it is useful.
If you do not believe that it is useful, explain why nursing theory is not necessary to the profession?
Be sure to provide an example that demonstrates your opinion and a scholarly reference. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Please be sure that you are aware of the requirements for posting in the graded threads, and review the grading rubric. You may also want to start thinking about your "Importance of Theory" paper due at the end of week 2.
As you read the required reading for this week, think about the significance of nursing theory as a framework for professional nursing practice and education and how one or more theories may impact your current practice.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO):Course Outcome (CO) for Week 1: CO#1 Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing (PO#1).
Nursing theory defines and constructs the framework upon which nursing practice (and education) is based. Nursing theory facilitates the development of nursing knowledge and provides principles to support nursing practice (Matney, Avant, & Staggers, 2015).Theories help explain and explore phenomena that occur in nursing. A theoretical framework (or theory) is a hallmark of a profession. Utilizing a theoretical framework is part of what defines nursing as a profession (McEwen & Wills, 2014).
Implementing nursing theories provides a framework to nurses in practice, research, education and administration in the diverse scopes of care. The importance of nursing theory allows nurses to gain knowledge in the science of nursing, thereby highlighting the profession with the importance it truly deserves (Neto, Marques, Fernandes, & Nobrega, 2016).
Consider the nursing theorist Jean Watson's principles and practices of nursing. One major assumption of this theory is that nursing practice encompasses health-illness interactions between the patient and the nurse that are based on caring more than curing (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Another assumption of this theory is that all nurses must care for themselves as well as patients and families (Watson, 2012).
Applying this theory to my clinical practice and educational nursing practices is a natural. In the clinical setting, not all illnesses or injuries can be totally cured. Watson discusses incorporating the family into patient care and decision. Because of the intense nature of providing nursing care, nurses also have to care for themselves and each other, or burn out.
The same nursing theory from Watson can be applied to nursing education. "Caring" is central for student development and growth as nurses and for work satisfaction among nurse faculty.
I hope you begin to think about nursing theory as a framework for your nursing practice and I look forward to talking to you in the threads.
NR501 Week 2 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 2: Significance of Nursing Concepts within the Profession
8888 unread replies.122122 replies.
This discussion considers the metaparadigm of nursing and the four concepts of the nursing profession—person, environment, health and nursing profession. Select a practice area of the nursing profession (i.e. education, executive, informatics, healthcare policy, and advanced clinical practice) and apply EACH of the four concepts to the selected area. Be sure to apply EACH of the four concepts and include an example that demonstrates the application to the practice area. Don’t forget to support your initial posting with scholarly references.
Hello Class,
Week 2 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
This lesson presents the four paradigms of the nursing profession—person, environment, health and nursing profession.
Select an area of the nursing profession (i.e. education, executive, and informatics, healthcare policy, advanced clinical practice) and apply each of the paradigms to the selected area.
Be sure to apply each one of the paradigms (person, environment, health, and nursing) and include an example that demonstrates the application to the practice area.
Don’t forget to support your initial posting with scholarly references. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO):Course Outcome (CO) for Week 2: CO#1Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing (PO #1).
You have now become familiar with the classic nursing Metaparadigm concepts of person, health, nursing, and environment (Chinn & Kramer, 2011; McEwen & Wills, 2014). The metaparadigm concepts form the basis for nursing knowledge, theory, and practice (Bender & Feldman, 2015; McEwen & Wills, 2014). In this discussion, think about how each of these concepts are incorporated into education, executive, informatics, healthcare policy, and advanced clinical practice.
There are many clinical issues in which the connection to one component will be more pronounced, but the other three will still have significance. Think of the Metaparadigm as a structure to demonstrate the holistic nature of nursing.
The classic Metaparadigm may expand to more non-traditional metaparadigm including: social system, role, interpersonal relations, caring, and cultural context. Many theorists argue that the nursing paradigm should include cultural sensitivity, caring, or social justice (as the central concept that links person, health, nursing and environment).
NR501 Week 3 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 3: Steps of Concept Analysis
112112 unread replies.131131 replies.
At the end of Week 4 your concept analysis is due. This discussion provides an opportunity to start this assignment.
Select a nursing concept, supported by a nursing theory, and address the following components included in a concept analysis:
• Definition of concept
• Identification of three attributes of the concept
• Description of one antecedent and one consequence of the concept
• Identification of at least one empirical referent
• Brief explanation of theoretical applications of the concept (How is the concept relevant to a nursing theory?)
This information does not have to be comprehensive but provides a foundation to the upcoming
assignment. Be sure to include scholarly references.
Hello Class,
Week 3 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
At the end of Week 4 your Concept Analysis paper assignment is due.
This threaded discussion provides an opportunity to start this assignment.
Select a nursing concept, supported by a nursing theory, and address the following components included in a concept analysis:
• Definition of concept
• Identification of three attributes of the concept
• Description of one antecedent and one consequence of the concept
• Identification of at least one empirical referent
• Brief explanation of theoretical applications of the concept (How is the concept relevant to a nursing theory?)
This information does not have to be comprehensive/complete but provides a foundation to the upcoming assignment.
Be sure to include a scholarly reference. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO): Course Outcome (CO) for Week 3: CO#1 Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing (PO #1) and Demonstrate logical and creative thinking in the analysis and application of a theory to nursing practice (PO #4).
The theory framework of nursing science is built in a dynamic process that comes from practice and is duplicated through research by analysis and development of concepts and theories (Cowden & Cummings, 2012). Concept analysis and development can be understood as a dynamic force to advance quality in practice. Theories represent a set of concepts with a systemic understanding of a phenomenon. Theories describe, explain, diagnose, or prescribe measures for nursing care practice, which offer scientific support for nursing practice (Boussol, Poles, Monteiro da Cruz, 2013).
This is a critical point in making theory come "alive"......applying a theory to the practice of nursing.
For this threaded discussion, please refer to Chapter 3 (Table 3-1) in McEwen and Wills (2014), the steps in concept development and analysis are clearly identified.
Also, refer to Chapter 10, in Walker and Avant (2011), the concept analysis steps required for this thread and for your upcoming assignment are discussed. I attached Chapter 10 (for those who might not have this textbook) as a resource.
Walker and Avant (2011) describes the process of concept analysis as clarification for the meaning of a concept. Concepts are the building blocks of theory building. Concept analysis is a way to understand how the concept is related to terms and definitions and possible uses in theory development.
Concept analysis steps are as follows:
1). Select a concept
2). Determine the aims or purpose of analysis
3). Identify all uses of the concept
4). Determine the defining attributes
5). Identify a model case
6). Identify cases: a borderline, a related, a contrary, an invented, and an illegitimate case
7). Identify antecedents and consequences
8). Define empirical referents.
You will select a concept that interest you, and is applicable in your practice (to name a few—the list is endless--caring, anxiety, diversity, tolerance, intuition, self-care, self-efficacy, compassion fatigue, mindfulness, overcoming, pain, missed nursing care, mentor, knowing, comfort, resilience, alarm fatigue, risk, grief, sorrow, compassion, professionalism, autonomy, spirituality, culture, teamwork, uncertainty, caregiving, coping, home, empowerment, vulnerability, competence, power….etc.).
You will want to provide your concept analysis post in a list format (as above) not in a paragraph format.
NR501 Week 4 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 4: Connection Between Theory and Advanced Clinical Practice
9696 unread replies.122122 replies.
While the focus of this course is nursing theory, some nurses say that theory has no role in clinical practice. What are your thoughts? Does nursing theory have a role in clinical practice? How would you use nursing theory to improve or evaluate the quality of clinical practice? Be sure to include an example that demonstrates your thoughts. Don’t forget to include a scholarly reference.
Hello Class,
Week 4 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
Some nurses say that theory has no role in advance clinical practice. Nursing is a little different from most health-care professions in that it is theory based.
Our first nursing theorist was Florence Nightingale. Nightingale used theory to explain what is and is not nursing, and this is a tradition that continues in nursing to this day (McEwen & Wills, 2014).
Nursing theory facilitates the development of nursing knowledge and provides principles to support nursing practice. Theory outlines practice and provides a way for communicating key ideas regarding the core of nursing practice (Walker & Avant, 2011). Theory is used in all facets of nursing care and assists the nurse in organizing, understanding and analyzing patient data.
Essentially, theory provides a systematic, reliable way of thinking about nursing care to guide the decision-making process. Theory-based, clinical practice occurs when nurses intentionally structure their nursing practice around a certain theory to guide them in their patient care (Matney, Avant, & Staggers, 2015).
What are your thoughts? Does nursing theory have a role in your clinical practice?
How would you use nursing theory to improve or evaluate the quality of clinical nursing practice?
Be sure to include an example that demonstrates your thoughts.
Don’t forget to include a scholarly reference. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO):Course Outcome (CO) for Week 4: CO #1 Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing (PO#1) and CO #6 Examine instances where theory is used to guide the development of new knowledge or implementation of evidence-based practice (PO #6).
By now, I have heard from most of you regarding the theorist you have selected for your week 6 paper.
If you have not yet decided, try to find a theorist who you identify with and whose concepts apply to your current or future practice---and email me with your selection. Above all, select a theorist whose ideas you like.
NR501 Week 5 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 5: Borrowed (non-nursing) Theories Applied to the Nursing Profession
107107 unread replies.124124 replies.
While the focus of this course is nursing theory, frequently the use of non-nursing or borrowed theories occurs. Select a nursing practice area (i.e. education, executive, advance clinical practice, informatics, and health care policy); then identify a non-nursing (borrowed) theory; and apply it to the area you have selected. Be sure to provide an example of how the non-nursing theory can be used to enhance the selected practice area. Don’t forget to include scholarly reference(s) to support your information.
Hello Class,
Week 5 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
While the focus of this course is nursing theory, frequently the use of non-nursing or borrowed theories occurs.
Select a nursing practice area (i.e. education, executive, advance clinical practice, informatics, and health care policy); then identify a non-nursing (borrowed) theory; and apply it to the area you have selected.
Be sure to provide an example of how the non-nursing theory can be used to enhance the selected practice area.
Don’t forget to include scholarly reference(s) to support your information. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO): Course Outcome (CO) for Week 5: CO #1 Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing (PO#1).
As we have discussed in Week 3 and 4, concepts are foundational to nursing theory.
They are also key ingredients in the research process. Once nursing theories are developed, nurses begin a careful analysis of the theory in terms of effectiveness and comprehensiveness.
Within nursing, basic concepts such as caring, pain, comfort, spirituality, and empathy provide the foundation for a nursing theory. Once the foundation is laid, then consideration is given to the linkages among the various components of the theory. These linkages, or relational statements, provide meaning and structure to the theory. Relational statements describe and explain the function of each component of a theory (McEwen & Wills, 2014). With evolutions and changes in nursing environments, theoretical thoughts in nursing have been developed, refined, and evolved in nursing history (Im & Chang, 2012). In each evolutionary leap, there have been notable trends in nursing theoretical works. Nursing in the past laid the framework for the shared determination of health and well-being of individuals and communities. Nursing theories have changed over the years, but the goal of nursing today remains the same (McEwen & Wills, 2014; Meleis, 2012).
NR501 Week 6 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 6: Impact of Nursing Theory Upon Healthcare Organization
6363 unread replies.122122 replies.
Discuss how a specific middle-range nursing theory has been or could be applied by nurse leaders or nurse managers to effectively deal with an administrative issue (i.e., staffing, use of supplies, staff performance issues). Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points.
Hello Class,
Week 6 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
Discuss how a specific middle-range nursing theory has been or could be applied by nurse leaders or nurse managers to effectively deal with an administrative issue (i.e., staffing, use of supplies, staff performance issues).
Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points.
Don't forget to provide your scholarly reference. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO): Course Outcome (CO) for Week 6: CO #2 Propose strategies for use of relevant theories that nurse leaders can employ in selected healthcare or educational organizations considering legal and ethical principles (PO #2, 6).CO #3 Communicate the analysis of and proposed strategies for the use of a theory in nursing practice (PO #3).CO #5 Recommend strategies for the use of theory as the basis for actions of advanced nursing practice in leadership and education (PO #5).
Middle range theory has a specific focus and is more concrete/more precise, with a focus on answering specific nursing questions. Middle range theories are developed to guide nursing practice. Compared to grand theories, middle range theories focus on a single aspect of practice and are easier to test by using research methods (Chinn & Kramer, 2011; Walker & Avant, 2011). In the healthcare environment, the collaboration of nurse academics, nurse administrators, and clinicians will maximize best nursing practices. The knowledge regarding healthcare and patient safety must not only be theoretical, but application focused (Gerard, Grossman, & Godfrey, 2012).
NR501 Week 7 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 7: Nursing Theory Applied to Research
9292 unread replies.111111 replies.
In NR 500, you explored an area of interest related to your selected specialty track. You then identified an issue/concern related to that area of interest. Select a nursing theory that can be applied to resolving the issue/concern. In your initial response, address the following:
• How the selected nursing theory is relevant to your area of interest
• A brief description of the issue/concern
• How the selected nursing theory can be used to guide the resolution of the issue/concern
Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points. Remember to include at least one outside scholarly source.
Hello Class,
Week 7 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
This week we are focusing on the application of nursing theories to research and evidence-based practice. You will be exploring the use of theory to guide the selection and framing of research questions. In NR 500, you explored an area of interest related to your selected specialty track/and identified an issue/concern related to that area of interest. Select a nursing theory that is applicable to resolving the issue/concern. In your initial response, address the following:
In your initial response, address the following:
• How the selected nursing theory is relevant to your area of interest
• A brief description of the issue/concern
• How the selected nursing theory can be used to guide the resolution of the issue/concern
Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points. Remember to include at least one outside scholarly source.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO): Course Outcome (CO) for Week 7: CO #2 Propose strategies for use of relevant theories that nurse leaders can employ in selected healthcare or educational organizations considering legal and ethical principles (PO #2, 6). CO #5 Recommend strategies for the use of theory as the basis for actions of advanced nursing practice in leadership and education (PO #5).
Every research study begins with a problem that the researcher would like to solve. The first stage of any evidence-based practice (EBP) process is formulating an answerable question (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Formulating a clinical question in a systematic way makes it possible to find an answer more quickly and efficiently, leading to improved processes and patient outcomes. This forms the foundation for quality searching. A well-formulated question will facilitate the search for evidence and will assist you in determining whether the evidence is relevant to your question. Understanding the research process is the first step in using EBP in everyday nursing practice (Riva, Malik, Burnie, Endicott, & Busse, 2012).
An important clinical research question should support clinical and academic/practice interest and should be supported with research to adequately answer the research question. The research question should be outlined in the PICOT format, this format will provide clinicians and researchers a foundation for mutual understanding, communication and direction to address clinical study questions of significance (Riva, Malik, Burnie, Endicott, & Busse, 2012).
NR501 Week 8 Discussion Latest 2018 January
Week 8: Course Reflection and Future Application
8888 unread replies.9999 replies.
Throughout the discussions occurring within NR501, a common element has been application of theory. In this our last discussion regarding theory, it is time to focus on you and your capstone experience (yes, it is never too early consider this major project!). While it is too early to identify your project, let’s consider on your future practice area as this is the setting your project will occur in.
Based upon your self-reflection and use of nursing theory within the discussions and assignments, select ONE nursing theory that you prefer and answer the following questions:
1. Why do you prefer the nursing theory you selected?
2. How can this theory be used in your current practice area (education, executive, advanced clinical practice, informatics, or healthcare policy)?
3. How can this theory be used in your future practice area (education, executive advanced clinical practice, informatics or healthcare policy)?
Hello Class,
Week 8 Threaded Discussion
Topic:
Throughout the discussions occurring within NR 501, a common element has been application of theory. This is our last discussion regarding theory, it is time to focus on you and your future practice.
Based upon your self-reflection and use of nursing theory within the course threaded discussions and assignments, select ONE nursing theory that you prefer and answer the following three questions:
- Why do you prefer the nursing theory you selected?
- How can this theory be used in your current practice area (education, executive, advanced clinical practice, informatics, or healthcare policy)?
- How can this theory be used in your future practice area (education, executive advanced clinical practice, informatics or healthcare policy)?
Don't forget your scholarly reference. Remember your textbook/lesson plan are not considered scholarly resources.
Our Course Outcome (CO) for this week and corresponding MSN Program Objective (PO): Course Outcome (CO) for Week 3: CO#1 Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing (PO #1) and Demonstrate logical and creative thinking in the analysis and application of a theory to nursing practice (PO #4).
The key for theory application is to provide understanding about nursing practice situations and to guide research. Theory is a guideline for personal practice which evolves through interactions with nursing practice. Theory gives support through clinical implementation and validation and can provide direction to nursing practice (Matney, Avant, & Staggers, 2015). Nurses concentrate on aspects of care defined theoretically for a more decisive decision for patients’ situations and conditions (Watson, 2012). Theory aids to ascertain the application and goals of nursing practice. Nursing theories enhances communication, increasing autonomy, and accountability to patient care (McEwen & Wills, 2014; Meleis, 2012). Implementing a nursing theory in any setting, reinforces the application of nursing care, and provides effective communication associated to the nursing care. Nursing theory improves nursing practice, and the quality of life/health for our patients, and families (Smith & Parker, 2015).
This is our final threaded discussion together :-)
May your life be blessed and safe as you continue on your life journey/and educational journey. I am very impressed with the quality of discussions from this class and hope you carry this theoretical knowledge with you in your future courses/future practice.
In the last week of class, I ask you to reflect on everything you have learned these past weeks.
I look forward to hearing what you have learned and how this course will impact your current and future education and careers as advanced practice nurses!
