Connection Between Theory and Advanced Clinical Practice

  This is a discussion paper reflecting professors post. Please respond to her post using 1 scholarly resource. Connection between Theory and Advanced Clinical Practice The relationship of nursing theory to practice is represented by the triad of nursing which includes practice, theory, and research. Each of these inter-related concepts influences decisions, interventions, and evaluations within the setting of advanced clinical practice. Nursing theory helps nurses to know the ‘why’ behind what they are doing. Mantzoukas and Watkinson in 2007 gave examples of how nurses use theory in advanced clinical practice, as exemplified in seven generic features. Examples include (Mantzoukas & Watkinson, 2007 pp.32-34): (1) the use of knowledge in practice; (2) critical thinking and analytical skills; (3) clinical judgment and decision-making skills; (4) professional leadership and clinical inquiry; (5) coaching and mentoring skills; (6) research skills, and (7) changing practice. I believe that nursing theory is important in clinical practice. Nursing theory sets the groundwork for debate between the use of scientific knowledge and intuitive knowledge in making clinical judgments. Second, critical thinking and analytical skills allow advanced nurse practitioners to explore avenues for self-improvement within the context of scientific understanding and wisdom that comes from experience. Third, I believe that in-depth knowledge of nursing theory enables nurses to enhance clinical judgment and decision-making skills. Fourth, professional leadership and clinical inquiry highlights the significance of adopting a leadership style that allows for improvement of advanced clinical practice. Fifth, there must be strong leadership attributes for an advanced nurse practitioner to coach and mentor potential nursing leaders of the future. Sixth, research skills of advanced nurse practitioners translate to discoveries that can further guide the direction of future research. Lastly, the constantly changing environment of advanced nursing practice requires recognition for the need to adapt to the continuously-evolving landscape of health care through the combination of theory and experience. Reference Mantzoukas, S., & Watkinson, S. (2007). Review of advanced nursing practice: The international literature and developing the generic features. Journal of Clinical Nursing, vol. 16(1), 28-37.