Theory Application Paper

THEORY APPLICATION PAPER

NURS 306 Theoretical Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice

Purpose of the Assignment

Purpose: This assignment is designed to allow the student an opportunity to complete an in-depth analysis of a nursing theory/model. Analysis of the theory coupled with application to a clinical scenario is intended to demonstrate the relevance of nursing theories to professional practice.

Student Approach to the Assignment

I wrote this paper after reading about Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory. This Theory resonated with me because I felt it incorporates the core values of my own nursing practice. I assess the patient, determine the patient preferences, then adjust the environment as fitting to treat those needs so that the patient can leave the hospital in better condition than when they arrived.

Reason for Inclusion

This assignment was an opportunity to perform and in depth exploration of Florence Nightingale's Environmental theory. I included this entry in my portfolio because I have identified this theory as a guide for my own practice.

Critical Thinking

· Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice.

In writing this assignment I picked a theory that adequately represents my nursing practice. Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory is something I have naturally used in the clinical environment. I assess the patient, determine needs, and devise plans to address those needs and anything in the environment that would inhibit healing.

· Uses decision making skills in making clinical or professional judgments

This nursing theory is used as a framework for providing quality care to patients. Modifying the patient's environment according to ventilation, light, noise, and cleanliness will help the patient restore health and recover.

Nursing Practice

· Implements traditional nursing care practices as appropriate to provide holistic health care to diverse populations across the lifespan.

This theory research allowed me to write about the treatment of the patient as a whole. The theory goes as far as to help nurses focus not only on providing a therapeutic environment for patients, but public health policy, influencing hospital design and management, and following standards of patient care.

· Demonstrates an awareness of complementary modalities and their usefulness in promoting health

Through research of this theory, I learned that there are many ways to promote the health of the whole patient. The environmental theory is applicable today in many types of nursing. Ultimately, the nurse's role is to monitor and keep the environment safe for the patient as well as educate and counsel in any aspect of health in order to help the patient become more proficient at self-care.