Nursing Theory
Nursing is a diverse field that relies on a set of theories to overcome daily challenges faced during practice. Some of the theories that have contributed immensely to the nursing field are the theory of planned behavior and role theory. The theory of planned behavior is essential in determining the safety of the patient during the nursing process. On the other hand, role theory explains the conduct of people in social situations as well as the perception of external observers. Generally, nursing care involves more than the provision of medicines and takes care of the patient’s welfare both in and out of the healthcare facility. The two theories have been applied to various case studies by different researchers, and a set of conclusions has been developed.
The theory of planned behavior is a decision-making tool that focuses on the safety of a patient during the process of receiving nursing care. Patient safety involves a case where the patient is protected from preventable harm. Generally, nurses are expected to use their normative beliefs in the implementation of patient safety behaviors. Loretta et al. (2017) applied the theory of planned behavior to assess its impact on social support and self-management of diabetes. The research was based on the argument that social support is essential in the development of self-management practices. Besides, diabetes is associated with a high number of obesity and morbidity cases. Generally, the researchers outlined that the theory of planned behavior is theoretically supported to enhance the ability of nurses in developing self-management practices that are essential in the management of diabetes. Also, the researchers concluded that nurses should embrace the use of models that involve family, friends, providers, and the community to enhance self-management practices. The article provides crucial information that equips its readers with essential components of the theory of planned behavior.
Moreover, the role theory provides a rather sociological perspective of nursing care. The conduct of individuals in social situations is always affected by the reactions of external observers. Nurses are tasked with the provision of patients’ safety by eliminating preventable harm. Generally, nurses use their normative beliefs to instill safety behaviors on their patients. The research by Friedemann and Buckwalter (2014) assessed the contrast between family caregivers and explored the effect of gender and family relationships on the caregiver’s role perception, workload, burden, and family help. Family caregivers are treated as the external observers in this case, and their impact on the provision of care is assessed. The researchers interviewed a sample of family caregivers from Latino families to obtain data for analysis. Generally, the researchers found out that gender and family relationships were significant in affecting the quality of care given to patients. Nurses, therefore, have a role in interacting with external observers in the community to see that patients are safe at the hands of their caregivers.
In sum, the application of various theories in the nursing practice aims at ensuring that high-quality and safe care is given to patients. The theory of planned behavior and role theory are some of the theories that have proved essential in nursing practice. The theory of planned behavior considers the safety of the patient, while role theory defines the role of external observers in nursing care.
References
Friedemann, M. L., & Buckwalter, K. C. (2014). Family caregiver role and burden related to gender and family relationships. Journal of family nursing, 20(3), 313-336.
Lee, L. T., Bowen, P. G., Mosley, M. K., & Turner, C. C. (2017). Theory of planned behavior: social support and diabetes self-management. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13(4), 265-270.