Nursing is a complex profession that involves a wide variety of hard and soft skills that are needed to achieve its goals. The primary objective of nursing is closely linked with the concept of care and patient well-being. The profession of nursing highly involves interpersonal skills, which may significantly influence the relationship between the clinician and the patient, resulting in better physiological and physical wellness as well as better outcomes. Therefore, it may be possible to assume that such interpersonal skills play a key role in the provision of care. However, even though soft skills are essential, there are also numerous hard skills that may improve the quality of nursing. It is vital not only to have sufficient theoretical knowledge regarding prescriptions, medical conditions, possible contradictions, and disorders but also to learn about the theoretical frameworks of nursing in general. As the profession frequently involves high-risk decision-making, it may be vital to utilize existing experience in order to introduce the most appropriate solution to controversial issues.
Nursing theory is a multifunctional tool that allows nurses to implement the best existing frameworks into practice. Some sources state that nursing theory is an inseparable part of nursing development as a science and as a profession (Yu & Song, 2021). Moreover, it may be used as a guide to developing better decisions for diverse problems that occur. For example, a patient was refusing to take prescribed medication as he did not trust the healthcare system for personal reasons. Theoretical knowledge about the principles of holistic care encouraged the nurse to consider other dimensions, including social, economic, and spiritual wellness of the patient. Such an approach allowed the nurse to establish trusting relationships and identify that the patient refused to take medications as they were too expensive. As a consequence, a more affordable treatment plan was developed.
Reference
Yu, S., & Song, J.-E. (2021). Essential role of theory in nursing research for Advancement of Nursing Science. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 51(4), 391.