Executive Nursing Aided by Benner's Theory

Application of Theory

Introduction

Advanced practice nursing is a specialized field that requires a comprehensive understanding of nursing theories and models to ensure that nursing care is delivered effectively and efficiently. Two relevant nursing theories that can be used in the area of advanced practice nursing are Jean Watson's Theory of caring and Benner's Novice to Expert theory. The Theory of caring by Watson emphasizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship and the role of caring in promoting healing and well-being. On the other hand, Benner's Novice to Expert theory describes the development of nursing expertise through experience and practical knowledge. This paper will explore the relevance of these theories to the area of advanced practice nursing in Labor and Delivery and Executive Nursing, respectively.

Issue or Concern

One of the most significant issues in Labor and Delivery is the high rate of maternal and infant mortality and the social inequities that pertain to them (Singh & Stella, 2019). Despite advancements in medical technology and improved access to healthcare, maternal and infant mortality rates remain unacceptably high along certain strata. In the United States, maternal mortality rates have been steadily increasing over the past decade, with black women being disproportionately affected (Ananth et al., 2021). There is a need for evidence-based practice to address this issue and improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and infants.

In Executive Nursing, one of the critical concerns is the shortage of qualified nurses, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Chan et al., 2021). The shortage of nurses can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and lower quality of care. Therefore, it is crucial to develop evidence-based strategies to address the nursing shortage and improve the retention of qualified nurses.

These are the two main issues and concerns that pertain to the areas of Labor and Delivery and Executive Nursing. By applying the Watson’s theory to the issue in Labor and Delivery and Benner’s Novice to Expert theory to the issue in Executive Nursing, a practical framework can be used in both situations to address the issues. The next section will describe why.

Nursing Theory as a Framework for Evidence-Based Practice

Jean Watson's Theory of caring can be used as a framework to guide evidence-based practice in Labor and Delivery (Antoine et al., 2022). The theory emphasizes the importance of developing a therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient to promote healing and well-being (Antoine et al., 2022). Using this theory, nurses can focus on establishing trust with the patient, providing compassionate care, and addressing the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By focusing on caring, nurses can improve patient outcomes, such as reducing the risk of complications and improving maternal and infant health. Care becomes the center-point, the foundation for all positive development and interaction between the nurse and the patient. The patient feels that care and feels loved and responds in kind because of the warmth and appreciation that passes from one person to the other and back again, and this in turn becomes the cocoon of care that can help life flourish.

In Executive Nursing, Benner's Novice to Expert theory can be used to guide evidence-based practice (Tyler, 2019). The theory emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge and experience in developing nursing expertise. By focusing on the development of nursing expertise, nurses can improve the quality of care and patient outcomes (Tyler, 2019). Their study and hard work, their skills and knowledge, their time in clinicals and growing in wisdom all comes to bear fruit at this point. Nurse leaders can use this theory to develop strategies to support the development of nursing expertise, such as mentorship programs, continuing education, and clinical practice opportunities. They can recognize that they are the leaders that have necessary perspectives to pass on to newcomers, and that through their leadership and knowledge they can be torch-bearers for those in need of light and direction in a complex field.

Conclusion: Connecting My Nursing Philosophy to the Application of Theory

In conclusion, nursing theories and models are essential in guiding evidence-based practice in advanced practice nursing. Jean Watson's Theory of caring and Benner's Novice to Expert theory are two relevant nursing theories that can be applied to the areas of Labor and Delivery and Executive Nursing. By using these theories as a framework for evidence-based practice, nurses and nurse leaders can improve healthcare outcomes and promote the development of nursing expertise. As a nurse, I believe that nursing care should be patient-centered, evidence-based, and compassionate. By applying nursing theories to practice, we can achieve these goals and promote the health and well-being of our patients.

As a nurse, it is essential to provide patient-centered care, which involves tailoring the care plan to meet the unique needs of each patient. This means recognizing that each patient has different values, beliefs, and preferences that may affect their care. By taking the time to understand and consider these factors, nurses can provide care that is more meaningful and effective for the patient.

Furthermore, evidence-based practice is crucial in nursing because it involves using the best available evidence to inform clinical decision-making. Evidence-based practice involves critically appraising research findings and applying them to practice to improve patient outcomes. By using evidence-based practice, nurses can ensure that the care they provide is based on the latest research and is most likely to be effective in improving patient outcomes.