NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper– Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
The introduction for the Chamberlain University NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
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How to Write the Body for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
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Sample Answer for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
Nursing theories have a key role to play in shaping up the nursing practices. It helps the nursing professionals to understand the expectations and requirements from healthcare professionals in a better way. In other words, the nurses refer to theories to develop deeper understanding about their profession without making too many mistakes during experiments. Therefore, theory enables the practitioners to develop problem solving ability. Every nursing theory talks about one or more dimensions of the profession, including policy, leadership, advanced clinical practice, informatics, and training etc.
The demand-supply gap for qualified nurses has increased the workload of nurses currently working. This is leading to increasing cases of burnout amongst nurses. This paper will talk about a detailed approach based on Watson’s caring theory that can reduce the probability of burnout amongst and provide them with healthier and more effective environment for work. This paper will provide explanation to Watson’s theory, elaborate upon it along with a case study where a nursing professional was facing burnout, and, leverage the theory to address the issue. Last but not the least; we will make some suggestions to tackle the problem in the future.
The aim of care is to support the people in physical, psychological, or spiritual needs and improve their lives (Drahosova & Jarosova, 2016). Nursing practice blooms on the foundation of care. Therefore, nursing services are holistic in nature, provide patients with their urgent physical, psychological, and spiritual needs, and improves their morals (Ranheim et al., 2014).
According to Jean Watson’s theory of care, nurses should work towards nurturing strong interpersonal relationships with their patients and their families. Both the sides should also share their life experiences and learn from each other (Dudkiewicz, 2014). The theory has three key elements, i.e., ten carative processes, interpersonal relationships, and the time for care. Rina et al. (2015) use the theory to indicate that caring is an approach to establish connect with others (p. 8). So, a caring and responsible nurse would spend time to understand patients’ requirements and tender the most relevant and highest quality of services. They have a highly accepting attitude towards their patient (Rina et al., 2015). The theory believes in the need to bring the human values for providing high quality nursing services. This strong relationship with other nurses as well as patients helps in timely recovery of the patients. Moreover, the nurses would also be healthier and motivated.
Description of the Issue
As per the earlierinformation, this paper covers the issue of burnout amongst nurses and how it leads to shortage of workforce, as many young nurses leave the industry due to reduced morale. We will also study the role of a healthy work environment to reduce the burnout rates. The presence of nursing dealing with deteriorates the quality of work environment and makes it unhealthy. Therefore, all the members of ecosystem such as nurses, patients, employees, and leaders are severely impacted by it.
Burnout usually takes place due to excessive workload, physical, or metal fatigue and leads to depersonalization of patients, and low morale to serve the patients and their families. Subsequently, we witness below par performance at work, prolonged fatigue and illness that increases absenteeism, and increased rates of turnover. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggests, the shortage of qualified and experienced nurses by 2025 in the U.S. could be more than 260,000. This is the biggest talent shortage in the history of American nursing industry (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2018).
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If the nurses are working in conditions that are below optimal, they would have higher probability to face burnout compared to when they work in healthy and safe environment. Nantsupawat et al. (2016) suggest that the work environment also has a strong influence on the patient outcomes. Various case studies where the patients were impacted due to wrong medication, infections, or falls were studied by the group. The cases also indicate that if we reduce the presence of factors that cause stress amongst nurses, the incidents of burnouts will also go down. The impact of this improvement will be visible upon parents with as much as 30% reduction in cases of infection) (Nantsupawat et al., 2016). Several empirical references suggest factors that influence the work environment and its impact up on nurse. For example, experienced and cooperative leadership, strong relationship between nurses and physicians, nursing values, and staff availability help in reducing the nurse burnout. Nurse Managers are responsible to develop a work environment that strengthens team bonding and spirits of individuals (Sorenson, 2016). Without the right leadership skills, the organization will continue to have nurse burnouts (Soernson, 2016).
Nurses are an important part of the healthcare ecosystem and help the patients get right services. Their work is very challenging from physical as well as psychological point of view. So, their motivation level needs to be high in order to improve the quality of services provided by healthcare centers. With such healthy and motivating environment, the hospitals are able to easily retain their staff and be more effective in their patient services.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) suggests six key dimensions that are important for developing the right work environment at healthcare centers. These are:- recruitment of staff with right skills, leadership abilities, collaboration approach towards problem solving, communication skills, recognition for good work, and logical thinking (AACN, 2016). This study will cover three dimensions, i.e., staff with right skills, leadership abilities, and communication skills of the staff. Skilled and motivated staff enables the organization to support the service requirements of the patients in the best possible way. If the staff is not aptly skilled, the risk for patients as well as peers increases (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2018).
Nursing leaders have to be sensitive towards the need of a healthy and effective environment for work. Therefore, the leaders should be authentic in their decision making approach and involve nurses in making all the key decisions regarding patient care (AACN, 2016). According to Wong and Laschinger (2013), authentic leadership is fundamental to the development of a healthy work environment. Such Leaders would inspire nurses to be more committed to work and push for better patient related outcomes.
Good communication skills is as much important for nurses as clinical skills (AACN, 2016). Without this, there can be goof-ups in patient care and many unwanted results may come up (AACN, 2016). On the other hand, good communication skills helps the nurses to have stronger connect with the patients and their friends and family and receive better acceptance amongst the concerned stakeholders.
Application of Theory to Resolve Issue
Watson’s theory provides a framework that can suggest real solutions to enhance the quality of healthcare services and reduce the burnout rates amongst nurses. Shared governance approach is key to the development of a healthy and productive work environment. The theory urges for shared governance because it helps the healthcare organizations to provide the best quality of care to the patients. Moreover, when patient outcomes improve, the nurses also feel motivated and the chances for burnout are lesser.
As stated earlier, Watson believes that caring is the core job of nurses. This is one of seven base assumptions of the theory and enables leaders to address the issue of burnout amongst nurses. Nurses are also human beings and need care. If they do not get the right care, they will not be able to provide the best services to the patients. On the strategic level, we should know that the ten “carative” factors applied by nurses for better care of patients are equally applicable to them as well. Some of the “carative” factors have a visible positive influence on the morale of nurses. For example, the third carative talks about having sensitivity for self as well as others. By referring to it, the leadership can understand how to manage the workload with right staffing. They can also assess how this problem influences all the stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, and make changes to stop or increase the influence. The fifth factor talks about the positive as well as negative expressions associated with a healthy communication. Therefore, the leaders need to accept both, as they aim to nurture an environment where honest and open communication prevails. This eases out the stress amongst nurses and they become more productive for the organization (Lowe, 2013). The nursing leaders should also look for deployment of a structured methodology in order to enhance the quality of decision-making. The sixth factor suggests that the nurses need to stay safe from emotions that they get into, while making decisions and draw them towards negative mindset. Watson’s Theory of Human Care may not provide direct short-term solutions to the challenge of burnout amongst nurses but it sets a guiding framework that leads towards the right actions, and eventually helps inn developing the desired environment at work to check the issue.
Shared governance simplifies the decision making process for nurses and the other healthcare staff (Ott & Ross, 2014). Values such as shared accountability, autonomy, experimental liberty, wellness, and equality come with shared governance. Thus, the interaction between nurse managers and the staff is more collaborative and effective. For implementing shared governance model, the nurse leaders need to take the first step. They are supposed to spread awareness about the model and the potential benefits arising out of it. This education and sensitization will improve the decision-making skills, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal relationships amongst team members. The three steps to change management process used by a nurse manager are:- introducing the right change, adjust the structure or implement a new one to support the new behaviors, and bring measures to sustain the new structure and behaviors. It is important to impart the feeling of responsibility and authority amongst nurses so that shared governance can be successfully implemented. This improves the patient outcomes as there is trust across team members and they jointly deal with the concerns of the patients (Lowe, 2013).
Burnout amongst nurses is a serious issue and needs a lot more research in the coming days. This research will identify the impact of shared governance on teamwork that helps in improving the mental as well as physical health of the patients and caretaker nurses. Watson’s theory guides the healthcare organizations to develop a transitional roadmap to implement standard governance a standard practice in order to reduce the burnout amongst nursing staff.
To successfully complete the transition, we also need the support infrastructure. The availability of this infrastructure makes it easy to start the shared governance model and improve the motivation level of nurses. Therefore, the team members can easily share information and support each other in the caregiving process. According to some studies, organizations, which are based on shared governance face lesser turnaround and better patient outcomes.
Conclusion
As discussed throughout the paper, a healthy work environment at healthcare centers benefits all the stakeholders including patients and their families, nurses, nurse leaders, and managers. This environment is developed by referring to some nursing theories that lay the roadmap. This paper explored the Watson’s theory of human care to motivate the nurses to deliver their best and to safeguard them against burnout. With this effort, we can ultimately expect the patient outcomes to improve. Shared governance is an important tool in this regard. It elevates the nurses to attain better communication skills, decision-making ability, and leadership role eventually. When the organization invests so much in nurses, they also stay committed and longer with the organization. Therefore, it is a win-win situation for nurses as well as the organization.
Ultimately, we can conclude that nursing theories provide the foundation upon which appropriate practices can be developed. Many healthcare organizations refer to the theory in order to evaluate their existing practices and to reduce burnout amongst nurses. If the nurses are satisfied and motivated to perform their job, their quality of services will be better. Therefore, the nursing leaders need to constantly vouch for the factors that influence the motivation level of the nurses (Rina et al., 2015).
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2016). AACN standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments: A journey to excellence, 2nd edition. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.org/wd/hwe/docs/hwestandards.pdf
Dudkiewicz, P. B. (2014). Utilizing a Caring-based Nursing Model in an Interdepartmental Setting to Improve Patient Satisfaction. International Journal For Human Caring, 18(4), 30-33.
Lowe, L. D. (2013). Creating a Caring Work Environment and Fostering Nurse Resilience. International Journal For Human Caring, 17(4), 52-59.
Nantsupawat, A., Nantsupawat, R., Kunaviktikul, W., Turale, S., & Poghosyan, L. (2016). Nurse Burnout, Nurse-Reported Quality of Care, and Patient Outcomes in Thai Hospitals. Journal Of Nursing Scholarship, 48(1), 83-90. doi:10.1111/jnu.12187
Ranheim, A., Kärner, A., & Berterö, C. (2014). Caring theory and practice–entering a simultaneous concept analysis. Nursing Forum, 47(2), 78-90. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6198.2012.00263.x
Rina, E., Mayumi, T., & Ruri, K. (2015). A Model to Create a Caring and Healing Environment for Nurses in Child and Family Nursing. International Journal For Human Caring, 19(1), 8-12.
Sorenson, C., Bolick, B., Wright, K., & Hamilton, R. (2016). Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Providers: A Review of Current Literature. Journal Of Nursing Scholarship: An Official Publication Of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Of Nursing / Sigma Theta Tau, 48(5), 456-465. doi:10.1111/jnu.12229
Wong, C., & Laschinger, H. (2013). Authentic Leadership, Performance and Job Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Empowerment. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 69(4), 947-959. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06089.x
Sample Answer 2 for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
A middle-range theory that can be applied by nurse managers to effectively deal with staff performance issues would be Patricia Benner’s novice to expert model. When a nurse manager is hiring new nurses, it is important to have a clear understanding of what level of experience the need is for. For example, if my manager in my unit has a need for a Neuro ICU nurse because there is a shortage then a nurse with several years of experience in the specific area should be heard. We had a new hire recently that was coming from a Medical ICU and was expected to be on her own within four weeks. When it came time for her to be on her own she did not feel ready to be on her own, so she required a couple more weeks of orientation. The unit was still short staffed. Charge nurses constantly asking for people to pick up. This causes exhaustion for the nurses working overtime and exhaustion for the charge nurse because they are always trying to find coverage or having to take patients of their own on such a busy unit. If there is a clear understanding of Benner’s model it may be helpful when hiring employees. If the Medical ICU nurse is starting on a Neuro ICU then she may be going back to the novice level of the model or even advance beginner but should not be hired for a position where she was expected to be competent or proficient levels. Our hospital does offer nurse residency programs for nurses that decide they want to try other specialty’s which could also be an option for this nurse, so she didn’t feel so overwhelmed coming into this new role.
References
Mennella, H. A. (2016). Benner’s Professional Advancement Model. CINAHL Nursing Guide.
Sample Answer 3 for NR 501 Week 6: Application of Theory Paper
When addressing administrative issues, I prefer to consider a resolution to an issue versus a “quick-fix.” In my experience, I have witnessed countless occurrences where there was a quick-fix but, the causal agent was never fully addressed and managed. This led to repeated occurrences and little to no resolve of the underlying issue. One area of nursing that has been an ongoing issue for years is the topic of staffing (or short-staffing). Strategizing on how to stop the hemorrhaging seems to elude administrators. For the frontline staff, it seems simple, “hire more nurses.” Unfortunately, it is not that simple. In my opinion, it is mostly related to retention. One must ask, what is causing the bedside nurses to leave the bedside? What is it that has nurses furthering their education in directions away from direct patient care? From my previous literature reviews, I believe that majority of the time it is how nurses are supported, mentored, and treated as novice nurses. Nursing leaders are responsible for coordinating and guiding preceptors and novice nurses through the transition from the academic environment to the work environment.
A middle-range nursing theory that nurse leaders can utilize in addressing the issue of staffing shortages and/or retention is the Transitions Theory by Meleis. The Transitions Theory describes periods of change within a person or environment (Kumaran & Carney, 2014). Some identifying markers of change include: disconnection from former supports, absence of familiar surroundings, presence of new needs, inability to address old needs in familiar ways, and the conflict between what was and what is (Kumeran & Carney, 2014). All of these are thematic within the transition period experienced by novice nurses. Once they begin to practice on their own, novice nurses are disconnected from their preceptors; they are unfamiliar with undertaking certain procedures on their own; they experience new needs as they become a part of the team; they are unable to address old needs by relying on preceptors and are responsible for making independent decisions; and they must adapt to the reality of not always being able to provide holistic care as they did in the clinical setting (Kumeran & Carney, 2014). Novice nurses must be encouraged and supported by the healthcare team to help foster a positive transition experience.
Nurse leaders are vital in recognizing and addressing the experiences of novice nurses during this transition period. Understanding the emotions and uncertainty experienced by novice nurses throughout the transition period allows for nurse leaders to develop strategies to aid in producing successful outcomes. Some strategies include implementing a transitions class to inform and educate novice nurses of the expectations that come with transitioning to the work environment; classes for preceptors on how to teach novice nurses; and/or the facilitation of frequent huddles with the preceptor, novice nurse, and nurse leader to ensure efficacy. Although there is much more that can be discussed in regard to staffing issues (e.g., effective leaders), utilizing the Transitions Theory with implementing strategies may help with retaining nurses from leaving the bedside and reduce staffing shortages.
Reference
Kumaran, S., & Carney, M. (2014). Role transition from student nurse to staff nurse: Facilitating the transition period. Nurse Education in Practice, 14(6), 605-611. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2014.06.002
Week 6: Impact of Nursing Theory Upon Healthcare Organization
Discuss how a specific middle-range nursing theory has been or could be applied by nurse leaders or nurse managers to effectively deal with an administrative issue (i.e., staffing, use of supplies, staff performance issues). Include an example from the literature or your own experience to illustrate your points.
A middle-range theory that could be applied by nurse leaders or nurse managers, to deal with administrative problems such as staffing, and staff performance challenges is the Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Among Peplau’s theory concepts we can find assisting other to identify their difficulties, applying human relations to the difficulties others are facing, being a resource person, a counselor and educator. These principles are of paramount importance for nurse leaders to apply in their professional environment to achieve effective leadership.
According to Hurley & Hutchinson (2013). effective nurse leadership positively influences the quality of clinical care, as well as work settings where nursing care is taking place. One of Peplau’s theory comprise assisting individuals to identify their difficulties. It is very important, for nurse leaders to engender a working environment that makes nurses and other personnel have a sense of safety and feel valued while carrying out their duties in the working environment. Such environment positively influences nurses and other personnel working moral and as a consequence will benefit nurses and other personnel retention as well as create a safe environment for nurses. Another demonstration of the application of Peplau’s theory is when a nurse manager detects any type of issue with the staff performance or getting used to the work environment, the manager has the obligation as leader to assist that personnel in identifying and overcoming such difficulties in order to promote a healthy working environment that is under her supervision. When any issue in the working environment is recognized, the nurse manager through the use of appropriate management skills should be able to provide assistance and resolve the issues identified. Although some issues can be resolved by each individual; there are other problems that indeed require the involvement of the manager.
I was employed to a facility that had a high rate of turnover and low morale. Nursing staff were leaving shortly after being employed and oriented for the job. It was like a cycle of employment and resignation not long after the orientation period was finalized. There was a common denominator in this situation, when staff personnel identified a problem that affected them, whether directly or indirectly, the manager would not intervene in a timely manner or sometimes not at all to resolve the situation affecting this nursing personnel. Nurses with senior positions were very indifferent, not training the new recruits properly and making degrading and unprofessional comments towards their newly employed junior colleagues. Some senior nurses were employed to the institution prior to the manager and therefore felt they had the right to have an upper hand in the institution due to their seniority. Newly employed nurses felt mistreated and professionally disrespected and they had no one to support them, and as a result there was an increased number of nurses leaving the institution. This situation stopped when there was an investigation from upper management to detect the reason why nurses were leaving in such a short period of time from this particular unit. Once the problem was addressed, and disciplinary action and changes made to management and in the working environment, nurses started to work in harmony, treating each other with respect and addressing each other professionally. Turnover rate decreased tremendously, productivity and patient healthcare also improved.
One of the main problem-solving avenues in management is communication. It is of paramount importance for a leader to be able to utilize leadership methods conducive to healthy communication, proper interpersonal and interprofessional relationships which will be able to develop a productive and healthy environment among nursing personnel, management and the institution. The application of Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relation may be of crucial value to nursing personnel with its implementation in their professional career.
References
Hurley, J & Hutchinson, M. (2013). Setting a course: A critical review of the literature on nurse leadership in Australia. Contemporary Nurse, 43(2), 178–182. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/docview/1698634428/fulltextPDF/EC172494A2C84A47PQ/1?accountid=147674 (Links to an external site.)