Importance Of Nursing Theory

Nursing theory guides nurses and gives them a framework that supports independence and autonomy in nursing. Prior to the advent of nursing theory, nurses were considered to be assistants to the physician. Nursing theory guides nurses to follow their own professional parameters not just those of medicine. Theories define and clarify nursing and the purpose of nursing practice to distinguish it from other caring professions by setting professional boundaries (McEwen & Wills, 2011). Importance of nursing theory

The nursing profession bases itself on the numerous theories that guide the practice of nursing. Theory is argued to be important in the establishment of the unique body of knowledge essential for nursing

These patients were not able to verbally express their needs. Observation led Kolcaba to come to come to certain conclusions, and the development of a plan of care that immediately addressed the needs they were unable to articulate. Care plans were individualized for each patient. Observation has held importance leading back to the era of Florence Nightingale. When addressing patient comfort, she stated that it must never be lost sight of what observation is for. It is not for the safe piling up of miscellaneous information or curious facts, but for the sake of saving life and increasing health and comfort” (Peterson and Brekow, 2004, p 256). There are two different dimensions described in the Comfort Theory. Three different forms are described in the first dimension: relief, ease and transcendence”. (Application of Theory in Nursing Process 2011). Relief is described as the result of interventions that comfort patients and relieve them of stress of disease, injury or debilitation. The second state is ease. Ease is a state of peace and contentment where the illness is abated, allowing the recovery period to begin. In the third stage transcendence occurs and allows the patient to regain their strength, where they can become more positive and look toward regaining their health and future (Nursing Theories- Comfort Theory,