Theories are indissolubly connected with a nursing career, practice, and research. In general, a theory can be explained as a statement that describes or defines a phenomenon, and that needs to be proved. Theories are formed as a result of the desire to resolve a scientific or practical problem. Then a hypothesis, a question that is later checked to find the right solution, is built. However, verification and proof of any theory require a lot of time and effort. I believe a theory in the nursing field aims to improve understanding of the process of medical care to provide the best service for patients ultimately. In nursing theory, “competence, confidence, compassion, comportment, conscience, and commitment” are characteristics of caring which describe the behavior of nurses (Tappen, 2016, p. 22). Without theory, it would be challenging to make real progress, develop nursing practice, and improve the quality of care.
Reference
Tappen, R. M. (2016). Advanced nursing research: From theory to practice. Burlington, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.