20 Aug The first chapter of the textbook “Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice” (Smith, & Parker, 2014) extensively describe the significance of nursing theories in the various nursing fields.

The first chapter of the textbook “Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice” (Smith, & Parker, 2014) extensively describe the significance of nursing theories in the various nursing fields. Exploring this chapter provides an understanding of the multiple structures often used in the nursing knowledge to enhance the professional discipline providing a framework for relevant nursing theories. The nursing theory demonstrates the values and beliefs of a nursing discipline and strengthens the establishment of a structure for organizing knowledge and illuminating nursing practice. The various nursing theories include middle- range, grand nursing, practice- level, descriptive, and prescriptive nursing theories. There exist numerous theorists who developed different distinct methods, including Ernestine Wiedenbach, Faye Glenn Abdellah, and Virginia Henderson, among others. My specialty is Masters in Oncology, which will help me to succeed in my future endeavors, particularly in leadership positions. This career choice will aid me in obtaining the necessary palliative care nursing essential in providing safe, comprehensive, and evidence-based care to oncology patients. With successful completion of this course, I believe I will be able to offer high standard, holistic, ethical, and culture-sensitive nursing care in this specialty.

Considering this, the theory of caring adequately aligns with the Master of Nursing in oncology. This theory was conceptualized and created by theorist Kristen M. Swanson who believed that caring is a nurturing way involved in valued relationships to establish a personal sense of commitment and responsibility (TK & Chandran, 2017). Swanson defined nursing to be informed, caring to facilitate the well- being of others. The theory provides a structure that improves the up-to-date education, nursing practice, and research. The structure also considers the traditional values alongside caring-healing roots, aspects that are relevant to the oncology field. In her environmental theory, Florence Nightingale believed the nursing discipline as not only an art but also a science (St. Scholastica, 2018). Nursing as a science incorporates theories, scientific concepts, and hands-on methodology that aid in the understanding of the human body. As an art, the nursing discipline enables the nurses to apply the knowledge and expertise gained, such as developing a relationship with patient and family, the ability to understand what the patients are going through, and effectively handling arising ethical situations. In regard to this, I agree that nursing is both a science and an art, and it is not possible to exist without the other.

References

Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing theories and nursing practice. F.A. Davis.

St. Scholastica. (2018, January 8). The critical role of a nurse: Bridging the gap between art & science. Retrieved from https://www.css.edu/the-sentinel-blog/the-critical…

TK, A., & Chandran, S. (2017). Kristen M Swanson: Theory of caring. Application of Nursing Theories, 245-245. doi:10.5005/jp/books/13072_31