Clear and Muddy Paper Module 4

Module 4 discussed how theory could impact practice for nurse practitioners, specifically

our future practices. Nursing theory encompasses concepts, models, and definitions involving

ideas and relationships concerning certain phenomena for the purposes of explaining, predicting

and/ or describing the occurrence. Many theories utilize frameworks and conceptual models to

guide their research, development, and implementation in practice. Nursing is an ever changing

and constantly evolving field, where attention to theory in practice can prove invaluable,

especially with proper utilization and implementation.

After the conclusion of this module, the clearest point was the importance of theory to

nurse practitioners and healthcare. Evidence-based practice is medically driven by research, but

nursing needs more. The profession of nursing incorporates ways of knowing which are beyond

quantifiable data. Practitioners draw from personal experiences and even intuition at times.

Nursing is not just an evidence-based field, but also a practice-based field. Theory allows nurse

practitioners to embody these philosophies, further their research and knowledge, and better their

practice.

This modules discussion was very clear on the important role theory has and will play on

the practices of advance practice nurses. Although, I do not understand how theory could not

affect the practice of a primary care nurse practitioner, especially one with an existing knowledge

of theory. This impact may even affect others. In my future practice as a nurse practitioner, my

partner physicians and nurse practitioners may be more evidence-based research inclined, and

my utilization of nursing theory may conflict with their views or beliefs. Physicians, especially,

may not have an adequate understanding of theory. I wonder if this will cause problems for

future nurse practitioners trying to implement theory into their practices?

 In order to determine if this could be a future problem in my practice, I could inquire with

some practicing nurse practitioners that utilize theory in their practice. From these observations

and conversations, I could ascertain whether their partnering physicians and nurse practitioners

are receptive or not to the utilization and implementation of nursing theory. I can also see the

impact it has had in their practice, as well.

Nursing theory has established its place in the world of research and nursing. It has

proven itself to be a useful tool, used alongside evidence-based medical research, revealing

human behaviors not quantifiable by numerical data. It gives insight into more cognitive ways of

knowing, such as perceptions, beliefs, and intuitions. Nursing theory reveals insights gained only

through interviews and personal experiences. This data, research and the theories, which develop

from it, give advance practice nurses a vital instrument to use in caring for their patients and

providing excellent patient care.