Scenario
You are working as a Registered Nurse at a local hospital that has recently changed ownership. The new owners of the hospital are committed to a culture that embraces evidence-based practice (EBP) and utilizes EBP as a guide for their policies and procedures. The focus on evidence-based practice can be seen as part of the hospital’s mission statement and local advertising campaign which states, “Evidence-based practice: The key to advancing quality and safety in healthcare.” While the hospital mission includes the statement: “…to be the healthcare center of choice, through superior clinical outcomes, evidence-based practice-driven protocols, and the advancement of practice utilizing formal and continuing education.”
The hospital leadership team has shared that they are beginning the process of applying for Magnet status as a healthcare facility. They have asked for volunteers to serve on a sub-committee to select a nursing theorist as a framework that will be used to guide nursing practice. You have been asked to research the various nursing theorists, and select two to present to the leadership team.
Instructions
From the list
o provided, select two nursing theorists. Prepare a presentation that compares and contrasts the two theories and make a recommendation for which theory would be a better fit for the facility. Please include the following in your presentation: Identify the two selected theorists and briefly summarize each theory.
o Compare and contrast the two selected theories.
o Formulate a recommendation for the theorist that best aligns to the facility.
Research and Theory
Competency: Identify the major concepts of selected nursing theories.
Full Answer Section
Introduction
The selection of a nursing theorist to guide practice is a crucial step in aligning our hospital with the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP). By adopting a theoretical framework, we can provide a clear direction for nursing practice, foster a culture of inquiry, and improve patient outcomes.
Selected Theorists and Summary
1. Florence Nightingale
- Key Concepts: Environmental Theory, Health and Nursing, Nursing as a Profession
- Summary: Nightingale's theory emphasizes the importance of a healthy environment in promoting patient recovery. She believed that nurses should create a supportive environment, manage the patient's surroundings, and ensure adequate ventilation, cleanliness, and nutrition.
2. Jean Watson
- Key Concepts: Caring Theory, Transpersonal Caring Relationships, Ten Carative Factors
- Summary: Watson's theory focuses on the importance of caring in nursing practice. She proposed ten carative factors, including promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and facilitating coping with death. Watson emphasized the need for a compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
Comparison and Contrast
Similarities
- Patient-Centered Care: Both Nightingale and Watson emphasize the importance of patient-centered care and the nurse's role in promoting health and well-being.
- Holistic Approach: Both theories advocate for a holistic approach to nursing, considering the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Differences
- Focus: Nightingale's theory primarily focuses on the environment, while Watson's theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships.
- Methodology: Nightingale's approach is more practical and focused on specific interventions, while Watson's theory is more philosophical and abstract.
Recommendation
Jean Watson's Caring Theory is a better fit for our hospital's commitment to EBP and a culture of caring. Her theory aligns with the hospital's mission statement and the principles of patient-centered care. By adopting Watson's theory, we can:
- Foster a Caring Culture: Promote a compassionate and empathetic environment for patients and staff.
- Improve Patient Outcomes: Enhance patient satisfaction and quality of care through a focus on caring relationships.
- Advance Nursing Practice: Position nursing as a profession that values human connection and compassion.
Conclusion
By selecting Jean Watson's Caring Theory, our hospital can establish a strong foundation for nursing practice, align with the principles of EBP, and create a culture that prioritizes patient care and well-being.