Nursing theory is described as a set of concepts used to describe current nursing knowledge. The idea provides a comprehensive knowledge and vision of the nursing profession. Nursing theory contributes to the advancement of the nursing discipline and the organization of knowledge (Shea & Cavan, 2014). The nursing theory notion is articulated in broad terms and implemented in the field of clinical medicine.
This paper focuses on the significance and usefulness of nursing theory. The study addresses the application of elements from Virginia Henderson's need nursing theory. In addition, the research paper describes the important aspects of Virginia Henderson's theory of nursing and how the theoretical aspects are applied in the paradigm of nursing. The paper analysis also will also establish and address the relationship between nursing informatics and Henderson's ideologies. In general, the paper will discuss the overall influence of Henderson's theory in the dynamic context of healthcare service.
The Value of Nursing Theory
Throughout the past years, the profession of nursing has been operating under the influence of the nursing theory. The theory has led to the evolution of nursing care and its proper applications in the realm of clinical medicine. Through the application of nursing theory, it is easier to understand and developed nursing practices. The theory promotes critical analysis of nursing concepts and tier explicabilities in addition to providing nurses with an expanded insight (Aghebati et al, 2015). The development and advancements of nursing theories play an integral part in the definition of what makes someone a professional nurse. The significance of the nursing theory accounts for the reasons as to why it is critical to understand the theory and value it in the field of nursing in all the clinical endeavors. Though the theory emphasized effective nursing practice, the profession of nursing has remained solidified by practicing nurses hence interpreted as a unique discipline. The nursing profession has remained distant from depending on other professions hence blindly taking orders. It is imperative for us to develop the theory and integrate the latest best practices in clinical settings. In so doing, the profession of nursing will continuously expand and develop in future (Bond et al, 2011).
Virginia Henderson's Theory
The central view of the nursing theory lies in Virginia Henderson's theory of need nursing. In Henderson's theory, the profession of nursing seen as a profession to assist the patient by performing activities that influence and contribute to health. The overall goal of nursing the patient is too low him regain the autonomy of performing his daily activities after health improvement.
Today, Henderson's theory of the need nursing can be applied in numerous nursing specialties such as palliative care, home care and acute care since they have the element of Henderson's theory. In his theory, Virginia Henderson laid a foundation for the development and expansion of nursing theory (Nicely & Delario, 2011). All elements of nursing have a close relationship with Anderson's theory of need nursing.
All practices in the environment, public health, personal health, and nursing are all connected to meet the essential needs of the patient. Patients need services such as nutrition, oxygenation, and elimination on daily basis and these services must be considered for proper healing. Provision of these services helps the patient to regain body balance and improve the overall health conditions in a short period. We unknowingly take consideration of the 14 basic needs as outlined Henderson's theory when providing health care to patients. In the practice of nursing to meet the needs of the patient, application of Henderson's theory assists the nurse to gain the sense of duty fulfillment and accomplishment. Before moving to complex areas of care, it is better to first address the basic needs of the patient (Waller-Wise, 2013).
Henderson's View on Nursing Informatics
Despite the fact that Virginia Henderson did not address-nursing informatics in the theory of nursing need, her theoretical view of nursing addressed the relevance of nursing informatics in the realm of clinical medicine. Henderson had passionate ideas with regard to the application of technology in the field of nursing. In her theory, Henderson advocated for application of electronic patient records way back in 1985. The theory emphasized the use of this technology to assist in collection and processing of information about the patient for statistical data analysis. In addition, Henderson believed that the use of electronic patient records would improve the overall patient care since the work of nurses is simplified. The implementation of electronic patient record systems would lead to patient empowerment if its implementation were backed up by contributions from the healthcare team (Blais & Hayes, 2010).
The theory of nursing need addressed the relevance of creating a structured environment effectively meet the needs of the patient (Waller-Wise, 2013). Today, the applications of electronic medical records have revolutionized the practice in accordance to what was proposed by Virginia Henderson in the theory of nursing need.
Henderson's vision is actually a pictorial view of the profession of nursing in the realm of technological advancement. It is difficult for nurses to work without the help of computers. In the case of system downtime and computers are not working effectively, there is a tendency of panic during the execution of nursing duties. Provision of effective nursing care depends on electronic health systems and internet. In the modern world today, most health institutions have integrated healthcare systems in nursing operations. The uses of electronic health care systems have provided an important platform to disseminate patient care. For the last two years, technology advancement has led to development and integration of electric medication administration systems in clinical settings (Desroches, 2015). All the innovation indicates how the theory of nursing need by Virginia Henderson envisioned the desire to improve health care service delivery and optimize nursing care.
Following the suggestions in Henderson's theory, most of the hospitals today have implemented various nursing systems such as patient empowerment systems that can assist patients during and after hospitalization. Other healthcare organizations have employed the technology of online access to health information systems to assist patients in looking at records of their results generated during hospitalization. National medical records have been deployed at the central health care control systems and these records have similar characteristics to those deployed in health care centers.
In order for a profession following the suggestions in Henderson's theory, most of the hospitals today have implemented various nursing systems such as patient empowerment systems that can assist patients during and after hospitalization. Other health care organizations have employed the technology of online access to health care information systems to assist patients in looking at records of their results generated during hospitalization. National medical records have been deployed at the central health care control systems and these records have similar characteristics to those deployed in health care centers.
Conclusion
The existence of nursing theory helps the nursing profession to continuously evolve and solidify like any other profession. The theory provides a platform for creating and developing research in clinical practices. Without its notions, the nursing profession will no longer be significant to save people's lives. Numerous clinical settings apply Henderson's' theory of the nursing need to address various professional issues that nurses meet on daily basis. The nursing theory has provided a great platform for assisting the profession in expanding and establishing an autonomous discipline. Henderson went deep to unearth the various informatics that influences the profession of nursing. The application of her ideas is depicted in clinical settings where electronic record systems have been installed. For expansion of the profession and improvement on the quality of services, it is vital to understand the relevancy of the nursing theory and its applications in research and nursing practices.
References
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