The Role of Nursing Theory in Education

In education, theories define how the information about a particular subject is relayed to the students. Nursing theory is no different. Its aim is to make students understand why, as nurses, they will perform certain actions, in addition to teaching them the practical or hands on aspects of the profession.

Importance

The importance of nursing theories in education is to reinforce the nursing practices of patient treatment and care. Students who understand why a certain procedure is performed or what to expect from particular patients and situations have a basis for learning the actual practices that make up patient care and treatment. Nursing theory also defines the role of a nurse in the medical field, hospital or medical practice. It creates what is known as a body of knowledge for both the nurse in training and the veteran.

Its Role

Nursing theory is created much like educational theories in other fields. It comes from veteran nursing practitioners who felt the need to document some of their observations and discoveries while practicing their craft. The major theorists that students learn about during their nursing education have all compiled their knowledge and theories in this way.

Some History

There are several nursing theories created by nursing veterans and scholars. The oldest are the Notes on Nursing compiled by the famous Florence Nightingale. They explore everything from the importance of cleanliness (which know today are imperative for contracting infection during a hospital stay) to dealing with the patient's family and friends. Although many of Nightingale's observations are obsolete, her theory is important in educating students nonetheless about nurse-patient interaction. Nightingale's Notes also serve as a historical basis for nursing students, adding to the foundation built by newer theories.

Importance of Concepts

Nursing theories are comprised of concepts that are empirical, abstract, and inferential. They teach students through scientific evidence, interpretation of those results and abstract concepts are those that nurses perceive-they are not tangible and sometimes cannot be proven. For example, Orlando's theory, which speaks to the need for a nurse to connect with a patient, and her care needs now (upon first meeting with the nurse). Orlando's theory describes the importance of perception in care and treatment, addition to knowledge and training.

Considerations

Nursing theories provide students with a basis for their education. However, they do not take the place of the medical knowledge needed to perform the duties of a nurse. They also do not take the place of practice. Nursing theories should be studied and used in conjunction with the practical knowledge-and experience--in order to provide the best care for the patient.