Introduction
The nursing practice relies heavily on theories and models postulated by various scholars and on different aspects of the nursing profession (Avant & Walker, 2005, p.5). In recent times, as a result of advances in information technology, much information has been stored in electronic devices for easier retrieval. As a result, many websites have been created which consists of many advanced theories. However, some websites are lacking in some information and present the researcher with a difficult time trying to retrieve the much-needed information about certain theories. The following paper compares and contrasts some theorist sites on the availability of information on the Nursing Process Theory by Ida Jean Orlando, showing how easy it is to use this model in nursing practice and how current the information is on the websites.
Availability of this theory on the websites
According to Fitzpatrick & Whall (1996, p.2), a theory is, “a set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that project a systematic view of phenomena by designing specific interrelationship among concepts for purposes of describing, explaining and predicting.” It follows then, that these sites must outline every aspect of a theory to bring to the researcher all the concepts of the theory for easier application. The University of San Diego website is effective in outlining the Nursing Process Theory as it has several links which guide the researcher to view the theory beginning with its postulator, description of the theory itself to its current usage in nursing practice. Likewise, the Clayton State University website follows the same trend by linking the researcher to the nursing theories website that introduces the reader to the theory, giving its process and application, and finally concluding by giving its uses in both research and clinical practice. The information provided is current since there are continuous updates to these websites.
Related publications
After researching for some years, Orlando developed her theory and it was published together with her book in 1961. She continued researching to further develop her theory making various publications in journals and books. In 1967, her article entitled ‘The patient’s predicament and nursing function’ was published in the Psychiatric Opinion Journal. Later on, after another research at Mclean Hospital, she published another book in 1972 entitled The Discipline and Teaching of Nursing Processes giving her findings (Nursing Theories Page, 2010, para. 1-4).
Application of the Nursing Process Theory in nursing practice
This theory is applied to find the role of the nurse in offering care to the patient. It outlines the role of the nurse in finding out the patients immediate needs to be taken care of, explaining how the nurses need to use their perception, thoughts on these perceptions to judge the patients’ behavior, and finally explains how nurses determine the nature of the patient’s distress and the kind of help the patient needs.
Importance of this theory to nursing practice
This theory helps the nurses keep their main focus on their patients identifying their distress and the type of care needed. It guides the nurses in keeping their reactions in control and this prevents inaccurate diagnosis or embarking on caring plans which are ineffective. This theory also guides the nurse in evaluating her care by observing the patients’ outcomes in terms of care. According to Schmieding (University of Rhode Island College), this theory is clear, concise, and easy to use. It is therefore one of the theories of nursing that are used to provide efficient nursing care to patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nursing profession relies much on theories that provide concepts and models that guide the practice of nursing. These theories have been supplied to the users online by various websites. The information provided is current since these websites are updated regularly. The Nursing Process theory is important to the nursing profession as it guides the nurses on ways of handling patients thus providing efficient nursing care. Nurses need to provide care to their patients to reduce and end human suffering and death. By so doing they follow in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale.
Reference list
Clayton State University School of Nursing (2010). Nursing Theory Link Page. Web.
Fitzpatrick, J.J. & Whall, A.L. (1996). Conceptual Models of Nursing: Analysis and Application. Appleton & Lange.
USD Hahn School of Nursing (2003). The Nursing Theory Page. Web.
Walker, L.O. & Avant, K.C. (2005). Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing. New Jersey: Pearson/ Prentice Hall.