Nursing Theories and Evidence-Based Practice

The connection between nursing theories and evidence-based practice is cyclical and
reciprocal. While clinical practice generates research knowledge and questions for theory to
guide practice and build knowledge based on theoretical development, a theory is crucial for
guiding research and improving practice. Nursing theories are essential in providing a nursing
practice foundation and are essential for patients’ care.
Comparing Nursing Theorists

Nursing theorists assist bedside nurses in evaluating patient care and basing nursing
interventions concerning the evaluation of findings. They provide nurses with adequate rationale
for making important decisions. Patricia Benner and Jean Watson are an example of nursing
theorists whose theories have shaped nursing practice. Watson is famous for the theory of human
caring and contends that caring is essential for regenerating life energies and potentiating our
capabilities (Wei & Watson, 2019). She argues that the benefits of human caring are
immeasurable and are essential for promoting self-actualization on a personal and professional
level. It is a reciprocally valuable experience for nurses, patients, and healthcare team members.
On the other hand, Benner is popular for proposing the expert to novice theory by
proposing that nurses can gain skills and knowledge without learning any theory (Ozdemir,
2019). This theory identifies five nursing experience levels: novice, advanced beginner,
proficient, competent, and expert. According to this theory, expert nurses develop extensive skill
sets and knowledge of patient care by acquiring experience gathered over the course of time,
stressing the benefit of having an education (Ozdemir, 2019).

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Conclusion and Recommendation

Nursing theorists play a crucial role in assisting nurses in appraising patient care and
evaluating the importance of basing nursing interventions on the evaluation of findings. I
recommend Watson’s theory of human caring because it aligns with the hospital’s mission to
advance quality and safety in healthcare through evidence-based practice-driven protocols,
superior clinical outcomes, and practice advancement by utilizing continuing and formal
education.

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References

Ozdemir, N. G. (2019). The development of nurses’ individualized care perceptions and
practices: Benner’s novice to expert model perspective. International Journal of Caring
Sciences, 12(2), 1279-1285.
http://internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/docs/81_ozdemir_special_12_2.pdf
Wei, H., & Watson, J. (2019). Healthcare interprofessional team members’ perspectives on
human caring: A directed content analysis study. International journal of nursing
sciences, 6(1), 17-23.
https://www.watsoncaringscience.org/files/PDF/Articles/IJNSarticle-Jan2019.pdf