The application of nursing theory to patient care serves several purposes. Firstly, it provides a framework for understanding the patient's health status and the factors contributing to it. Secondly, it guides the nurse in planning and implementing appropriate interventions. Lastly, it helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the care provided (Alligood, 2017).
Nursing theory is meaningful to current practice as it provides a systematic and logical approach to patient care. It helps in understanding the complex nature of nursing practice and provides a basis for decision making. It also contributes to the professional status of nursing by defining its own independent functions (Smith & Parker, 2015).
A nursing theory can be applied before planning and providing care in current practice by using it as a guide in assessing the patient's needs, setting goals, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes. For example, Orem's self-care deficit theory can be used to identify the patient's self-care needs and plan interventions to meet those needs (Orem, 2001).
The theory that best reflects my personal view of the essence of nursing is Jean Watson's theory of human caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of caring in nursing and views the nurse-patient relationship as a partnership. It has been helpful to me in planning and providing care to my patients by guiding me in establishing a therapeutic relationship with them and providing holistic care (Watson, 2012).
References: Alligood, M. R. (2017). Nursing theorists and their work. Elsevier Health Sciences. Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing theories and nursing practice. FA Davis. Orem, D. E. (2001). Nursing: Concepts of practice. Mosby. Watson, J. (2012). Human caring science: A theory of nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
