Importance of Theories to Nursing Practice

Theories are essential to develop knowledge that is unique to nursing and provides the foundation for the provision of safe and effective health care. According to Meleis “being able to practice by using scientific principles allows nurses the opportunity to accurately predict patterns of responses that are consequences of care”. Theories help to examine and evaluate practice as well as refine and change practice. The use of nursing theories enhances autonomy and accountability in the nursing profession. When nurses use the theoretical research as a system of evidence for critical thinking and decision making it increases professional power. When theory and theory based evidence are used to structure practice, the quality of care is improved. The patient data is sort quickly, decide on appropriate nursing action, deliver the care and evaluated outcomes. Nurses are able to discus nature of their practice with other health professionals. When nursing practice is considered in a theory context it helps students to develop analytical skills and critical thinking ability and clarify values and assumption. According to Alligood 2014 Theory guides practice, education and research. This can be seen as an attempt by the nursing profession to maintain its professional boundaries. Theory is important because it helps us to decide what we know and what we need to know (Parsons1949). It helps to distinguish what should form the basis of practice by explicitly describing nursing. It should provide the foundations of nursing practice, help to generate further knowledge and indicate in which direction nursing should develop in the future (Brown 1964).

Theories from Biomedical sciences like public health have had tremendous impact in nursing practice like the Germ theory and principles of infection. A significant amount of nursing care is based on it. It has helped to reduce a number of deaths from infection. As a Nurse and Public health practitioner this will help