Reflection on Nursing Theories

Running head: REFLECTION ON NURSING THEORIES
Reflection on nursing theories
Name of the student
University name
Author’s note

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REFLECTION ON NURSING THEORIES
Section 1:
During week 5 of the nursing course, we had been introduced to number of
important topics and concepts such as the Ropert Logan Tienary model (RLT model),
Clinical Reasoning Cycle (CRC) and following a Person Centred Approach. We were made
to undergo though a number of videos as well as case studies in order to understand the
importance of the application of these concepts within nursing and support care. The mode of
learning which had been followed with us over here was video or lecture notes. In order to
develop out level of understanding we were shown short films. Therefore, base upon our
understanding the lessons learnt we were asked to review the different case scenarios
presented and the benefits of the application of the RLT model and the clinical reasoning
cycle in the different scenarios.
I think the application of the RLT model provides a much wider platform for the
assessment of the patient condition. The RLT model takes into consideration five important
factors which are - biological, psychological, socio-cultural, politico-environmental and
environmental factors (Howatson-Jones, 2016). Therefore, accessing the condition of the
patient through each of the five domains of the RLT model could help in developing a
comprehensive view of the patient condition (Moura et al., 2015). Additionally, the clinical
reasoning cycle helps in effective consideration of the patient situation, gathering and
processing of information, which further helps in identification of the patient issue. I
personally found the entire process of data gathering very interesting as it helped me to
develop sufficient knowledge of different evidence based tool. Initially, I had some
difficulties in understanding the application process of the evidence based tools in data
gathering process of the clinical reasoning cycle. However, I was later helped by me
professor who helped me in clearing my doubts.

2
REFLECTION ON NURSING THEORIES
Section 2:
In the week 6, the professor had further asked us to apply the CRC and the RLT
model in evaluating each case study or video lecture note which had been presented to use in
the course of the study. At this stage, I had felt the need of breaking down the model and
understanding the importance of each component. I think the RLT method required the
nursing professionals to take a number of factors into consideration, which consists of the
biological, psychological, socio-cultural, politico-environmental and environmental factors.
Therefore, in order to develop an understanding of the psychological factors affecting the
health of the patient I would also need to focus upon some of the additional approaches such
as implementing therapeutic communications into practice. As mentioned by Husebø,
O'Regan& Nestel (2015), the biological, environmental as well as the psychological factors
control to a great extent the health and well being of the people. However, as a nursing
student I have often faced from a number of dilemmas regarding which factor/factors I should
focus upon more. However, this completely rests upon the aspects of effective decision
making and rationale formation. Therefore at many stages during the course of the study I
have felt that I lacked the effective decision making capacity and required the help of my
professors. I think as a nursing student I also lacked the required communication skills and
often found the aspect of communicating with patients coming from different geographical
barriers difficult. Hence , I was further guided by my professor to apply the skills of
therapeutic communication much of which lied in application of friendly body languages
while approaching the patient.
Section 3:
The seventh week helped me develop a comprehensive knowledge of all three
different approaches of nursing. Therefore, focusing upon the CRC model and the RLT