NUR 5010 Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice

Nursing Theory in Professional Practice

Nursing is the art and science of caring for individuals with potential or actual health problems. Nursing is the art of providing quality, compassionate care while evaluating the patients’ biopsychosocial and spiritual needs. Nursing as a science evaluates the patients’ health and response to disease. Nurses assist individuals and groups to maintain or attain optimal health. They implement care to accomplish defined goals and evaluate responses to care and treatment. This care is delivered in accordance with the standards of nursing practice. Nursing is dynamic, evolving from changes in health care, and advances in medical science and technology. According to the International Council of Nursing, “Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying people.” (International Council of Nurses, 2002). Virginia Henderson’s classic definition of nursing is, “I say that the nurse does for others what they would do for themselves if they had the strength, the will, and the knowledge. But I go on to say that the nurse makes the patient independent of him or her as soon as possible.” (Virginia Henderson’s Vision of Nursing, 2002). The public views nurses as people they can trust and confide in. Nurses are at the patients’ bedside more than any other personnel are. Patients will often tell nurses things that they will not tell anyone else. Nursing is based on four critical values: a strong commitment to the services provided to the public, belief that each person has worth and dignity, a commitment to education, and autonomy. The first value is commitment to the services provided to the public. This value is considered essential. Nursing is a humanistic service directed to the health…