Competency 2
Explain how theory and research drive effective nursing practices.
Reflection
This reflection is comprised of 2 sections, collectively totaling a minimum of 500 words. This reflection activity provides the opportunity to help you bridge the gap between what you know and what you need to know in preparation for the competency assessment. Complete your reflection by responding to all prompts.
Theory, Practice, and Research
Read “From Novice to Expert: Benner’s Legacy for Nurse Education” from the University Library.
Reflect on Benner’s novice to expert theory. Consider how Benner’s theory has the following ideas:
Description of the theory’s background and influencing factors, including worldview
Explanation of the underlying assumptions
Evaluation of major strengths and weaknesses
As you read, consider the following scenario:
Sue is an RN who has been practicing for three years and typically works in labor and delivery. She recently started helping out at a clinic that serves diabetic OB patients. She encounters two patients, one who has developed gestational diabetes and the other who has had diabetes since she was a child.
Apply Benner’s novice to expert theory to analyze the scenario:
Where does Sue fall on Benner’s novice to expert continuum? Why?
What impact does Sue’s place on the continuum have on her ability to provide quality care to these patients?
What additional support do you think Sue may need?
How would Sue’s approach differ based on the length of time the patients have known about their diagnosis? Why?
Practice Setting and Theories
Which of the theories we covered so far best fits the practice setting you work in or that you are interested in working? What aspect of the theory makes it well-suited for your practice setting? Reflect on how the PICO model fits at your place of practice.
Use the six criteria from this competency’s readings from Fundamentals of Nursing Models, Theories, and Practice as a guide for this segment of the reflection. You can access these readings within the Theoretical Application in the Practice folder.
Select a practice/clinical setting.
Use the following six criteria to select a theory appropriate for the setting you chose:
Clinical setting
Origin of the theory
Paradigms as a basis for choice
Simplicity
Patient’s needs
Understandability
Explain what practice or clinical setting you chose, how the six criteria helped you choose, and why the selected theory is well-suited to it.
Note: Although references are not required, if you do use references in either section, format your in-text citations and references according to APA guidelines. Use the APA Style Guide (7th ed.).
Submit your reflection.
