Role theory is helpful to the nursing profession because it explains how society affects the nursing profession and how a nurse contributes to an organization from a sociological perspective. Role theory is also helpful because it reduces role stress in the nursing profession. Role categories like role ambiguity, role overload, and role conflict contribute to role stress (McEwen & Wills, 2019). The first is role ambiguity, which refers to unclear roles and authority.
The change from nurse-to-nurse practitioner is an illustration of role ambiguity. The nurse practitioner profession is undergoing a shift, and new nurse practitioners are attempting to establish their clinical authority and expertise in a new role, according to research by Kerr and Macaskill (2020). Role overload, where stress is generated as a person completes several responsibilities at once, is the second cause causing role stress. Managing an excessive number of inpatient tasks throughout a shift illustrates how role overload affects nurses. Role conflict occurs when a person’s position is subjected to inconsistent expectations (McEwen & Wills, 2019).
The first is role ambiguity, which refers to unclear roles and authority. The change from nurse-to-nurse practitioner is an illustration of role ambiguity. The nurse practitioner profession is undergoing a shift, and new nurse practitioners are attempting to establish their clinical authority and expertise in a new role, according to research by Kerr and Macaskill (2020). Role overload, where stress is generated as a person completes several responsibilities at once, is the second cause causing role stress. Managing an excessive number of inpatient tasks throughout a shift illustrates how role overload affects nurses. Role conflict occurs when an individual’s position is subjected to incompatible demands. When a nurse manager must simultaneously serve as the client advocate, floor administrator, and medical nurse, there is a conflict of roles.
In conclusion, as part of the role theory, it is advantageous to compartmentalize and identify role stresses since, without doing so, it will be impossible for nurses to improve, which will impact their department. The ability to assess and identify role stresses concerning role theory may contribute to lower employee turnover, stronger colleague relationships, and perhaps even departmental advancement in developing more precise job descriptions and requirements. From the perspective of society, role theory is helpful since it can clarify common misconceptions about roles and point out areas where they might be improved.
References
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Kerr, L. & Macaskill, A. (2020). The journey from nurse to advanced nurse practitioner: applying concepts of role transitioning. British Journal of Nursing. 29 (10). 561–565. Web.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E.M., (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. Web.
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