Cody reaction paper analysis

¶ … 2003, 226) was a proclamation of the value of theory in nursing and its direct correlation & influence in practice. The article is simply and enthusiastically written. It is a rare occasion when the author advocates for the necessity of theory in practice, whereas in a more general sense, theory is not as highly regarded in nursing or in other professions & industries. More than state that theory is connected to practice in nursing, Cody (2003, 225-226) contended that theory governs practice and without the theories of nursing, practice is ineffective and directionless. His first point was that common sense observations and practices in nursing are, in essence, the fundamental theories of nursing. Common sense begat the first nursing theories and provides a strong foundation upon which subsequent theories are built and sustained. He explored the strengths and the fallibility of his assertions over the course of the article, giving readers the opportunity to debate and consider his ideas from a more objective and open minded perspective. Cody went on later in the article to explain the various contexts within which nursing theory is developed, structured, criticized, and practiced. This is a significant addition to the article. Theories in any field are somewhat useless and do not lend themselves to understanding or assimilation without explanation or description of the contexts within which the theories are constructed and used. A theory is no good, no matter how good it is or could be, without application within a specific context. These kinds of greater considerations for theory in a very practical sense make Cody's arguments cogent and strong.

Main Points or Themes

Cody began the article with reflections on nursing in practice and the theories. He began by providing reflections of his career and reflections of the changes nursing has experienced over the course of his professional history. This is an interesting beginning because the article immediately comes off as quite personal, though the article is clearly a part of a professional and/or academic journal on nursing. This beginning to the article is also interesting with respect to format because quite often authors choose to save their reflections for the closing sections of their articles. This is simple deviation from the norm that has great potential to capture and hold the attentions of readers from the onset.

Cody made several points regarding the connection between theory and practice. He viewed them as inseparable. He claimed that in nursing, professionals understand the theory and come up with the theory from practice and that the practice may redirect the theories. The relationship is somewhat like a dance between theory and practice, but it is a ceaseless dance that cannot be sustained without the participation of each partner. Other authors, such as Im & Chang additionally agreed that from the earliest moments in nursing history, theory and the integration of theory in practice are fundamental to the nursing profession. (2012, 157) Cody stood firm by his point that nurses must include theory and have awareness of it in their practice. He disagreed with the reactions of some students and professionals that nursing, in practice, is too hectic to include theory as part of the practice. (2003, 227) He explained that practice without theory is practice deferred; without the theory, the practice cannot flourish to its greatest potential, which is quite costly, as nursing is clearly a profession about service, health, and quality. In a study by Jasovsky et al. (2010, 29), the authors put Cody's theory into practice by experimenting with the implementation of the Rogers' theoretical framework of nursing, thereby demonstrating that there is a consensus of agreement of his ideas and proof of ideas like his in action as part of modern practice in large American cities. (2010, 30 -- 31)

Cody additionally spent quite a bit of time discussing modern changes in nursing and nursing science. He mentions how the increase in research and enrollment in nursing has affected the profession. In one way, increased education has improved the profession because students are driven and more knowledgeable. In another way, the surplus of nursing students and professionals diminishes practice and theory because there is increased potential for the theory to be disregarded and discounted by a larger number of people relevant to the field. He furthermore saw some negative potential in the mainstreaming and increased popularity of nursing. When topics or ideas become mainstream, there is a dumb-down and increased distance from the originating concept & perspective on the matter.

Summary & Conclusion