Week 3: Other Theories That Support Nursing Practice
The value of interdisciplinary learning is the beauty of drawing on knowledge and strategies from multiple fields. Imagine how ill prepared a nurse would be who only studied human systems. Patients are naturally more than a collection of systems. They have personalities and perspectives that are shaped by experiences, culture, and other factors that impact health and wellness. To know how to help the patient, understanding of these other factors, such as how cultural norms may influence disease prevention or the success of a treatment regimen, is crucial.
In the same way, the nursing middle range theories you examined in Week 2 are not the only theories that apply to and can guide nursing practice. Theories from other sciences, such as psychology and sociology, as well as from other fields, such as business, also have potential to support nursing practice.
This week you will explore a range of interdisciplinary theories through your Discussion with colleagues. You will also complete your module Assignment by considering how interdisciplinary theories may contribute to creating a philosophy of nursing practice that can be a beacon on your DNP journey.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze interdisciplinary theories for applications to nursing practice
- Compare applications of interdisciplinary theories to nursing practice
- Explain philosophy of nursing practice
- Analyze factors that influence philosophy of nursing practice
- Recommend strategies for social change advocacy for the role of the DNP
- Analyze middle range nursing theories in relation to philosophies of nursing practice
- Analyze interdisciplinary theories in relation to philosophies of nursing practice
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
Walden University. (2021). DNP glossary [Interactive media]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Optional Resources (click to expand/reduce)
Discussion: Applying Interdisciplinary Theories to Nursing Practice
- Using the same practice issue from the Week 2 Discussion and an interdisciplinary theory you will be assigned, you will research your assigned theory for applications in addressing your practice issue. Although your focus is exploring one theory in depth, as you engage with colleagues, consider other theories that also apply to your practice issue. Learning from colleagues is particularly important and encouraged with this Discussion.
To prepare:
- Your Instructor will assign you an interdisciplinary theory from among the following:
- Health Belief
- Health Promotion
- Change
- Disease Causation
- Transformational Leadership in Nursing and in Health Care
- Patient-focused Care/Patient-centered Care
- Problem-based Learning
- Simulation (Jeffries/NLN)
- Cultural Competence/Diversity
- Review the Learning Resources, with particular attention to information on your assigned theory.
- In addition, search the Walden Library for at least two scholarly articles published within the previous 5 years on your assigned theory. Identify examples and insight for applying this theory to your practice issue.
- Consider how to explain your assigned theory and its applications to nursing practice and the specific issue you are addressing.
Note: Your initial post is due by Day 3. Contact your Instructor if you have not received your assigned theory on Day 1.
With these thoughts in mind …
By Day 3 of Week 3
Post a brief description of your assigned theory and your practice issue. Then, explain how you would apply your assigned theory to your practice issue and explain your reasoning. Be specific and provide examples. Cite your sources in your post.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts.
By Day 6 of Week 3
Respond to at least two colleagues on 2 different days. Choose colleagues who were assigned different theories than your own. Respond to their posts in one or more of the following ways:
- Critique their application of theory to their practice issue and either explain why you support their thinking or recommend a different theory to consider, which may be the theory you were assigned. Explain your thinking.
- Drawing on their explanation of their assigned theory, describe how this theory applies to your practice issue and explain your reasoning.
- Compare and contrast their assigned theory with your own for application to practice issues. Support your reasoning.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
