Theory as framework for education

NURSING THEORY AS FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATION It is true to say that nursing theory has enormous influence in nursing education and research. Theories are comprised of definitions, concepts, propositions, models and are primarily based assumptions (Watson & Watson 2012). In addition, theories are derived through two primary methods namely deductive and inductive reasoning. Therefore, it is right to say that by their derivation and reasoning the nursing theories offer a constitution to support and define nursing practice, and the value of care offered to patients (De & Anderson 2008). Moreover, it is just to deduce that the theories nursing theory provides ideas that support nursing research significant to nurses when incorporated in nursing education (Watson & Watson 2012).
A useful nursing theory makes assumptions about health, behavior, target population, problem or an environment (De & Anderson 2008). Therefore, the useful nursing theory is characterized by logic, consistency with everyday observations, and support from previous research with related ideas and similarity of the situation to past situations (Watson & Watson 2012). Moreover, the theory must be able to improve the learners’ knowledge in the selected nursing area.
Watson’s theory of human caring is a very useful theory in nursing education. The theory has abundant logic in its element of caring as it holds that the interpersonal relations of humans are the primary facets of caring (Watson & Watson 2012). Like most useful theories, the theory is based on the assumption that the standard and basis of nursing subsist in caring science as the basis of the nursing profession. The assumption is important through the connection it creates between the student and the patient (Watson & Watson 2012). Nevertheless, as the student has mentioned, the theory is based on ten creative aspects of every observation that supports nurses in their relationships with patients. To add on all that, Watson’s theory has support from previous research that shows that, to offer proper care to patients, nurses have to establish a relationship of care and love with the patients (Watson & Watson 2012). Therefore, Watson’s theory of human caring can adequately guide nursing students in their interpersonal relationships with patients and care in addition to their knowledge (De & Anderson 2008).
References
Watson, J., & Watson, J. (2012). Human caring science: A theory of nursing. Sudbury, MA:
Jones & Bartlett Learning.
De, C. M., & Anderson, B. A. (2008). Caring for the vulnerable: Perspectives in nursing theory,
practice, and research. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.