Nursing theories and their importance in nursing
Jennifer J. Wilson
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR 501: Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing
Instructor Berens
1/12/15

Nursing Theory is often defined as,” an organized framework of concepts and purposes designed to guide the practice of nursing” (Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, 2012). Nursing theories can help patients, managers and other healthcare professionals to recognize what and how much that nurses do contribute to the healthcare field. I never did realize how important theories in nursing practice could be until I became a nursing student myself. Nurses use theories in their everyday practice, but never think about them as being
The Environment Theory is a patient-care theory and focuses on the nurse and patient relationship rather than the nursing process. This theory helped to create all of the health and safety policies and procedures that we have in place today. In todays nursing practice, we have many policies and procedures that we follow that pertain to the nurse and the patient safety. As a hospice nurse, almost all of our patients are on medications that can make them more susceptible to falling; therefore we always put our Fall Reduction Program into place. When we admit a patient to our hospice program, we do a scan of their environment and see if they have any potential hazards in their home that we can change or remove. These hazards could be throw rugs, cluttering in the home, uneven floors or even pets. Pets can get under anyone’s feet when they walk and this is a hazard, especially for patients that are already not steady on their feet. Secondly, we look at the medications they are on and do teaching regarding the possible side effects and review with them to move slowly and sit for a while if they are dizzy or light-headed. Third is the use of assistive devices. We make sure that they always use their walker, wheelchair, cane or bedside commode to help with their exertion level. Patients often tire very easily and therefore using these aides will assist them in saving some of that energy. Patients don’t often