Nursing Theory and Practice: A Self-Reflection on NUR 370 Course

This self-reflection essay examines a nursing student's journey through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, specifically focusing on the impact of NUR 370 on their understanding of nursing theory and its practical application. The student reflects on their growth, challenges, and experiences, referencing key nursing theories such as those of Orem, Watson, Henderson, Benner, Nightingale, and others. The essay details how these theories have shaped their approach to patient care, clinical competence, and emotional control in stressful situations. The student emphasizes the importance of dedication, compassion, and the integration of theory, research, and practice in providing effective patient care. The reflection also highlights personal experiences, including interactions with patients, and the development of a personal philosophy of nursing. The student concludes by expressing readiness to face the final stages of their nursing education, emphasizing the role of nursing as a caretaker, advisor, and advocate for patients.

Running Head: Self-Reflection 1

Self-Reflection 2
Self-Reflection
Student Details

Self-Reflection 3
Self-Reflection
From the beginning of my Nursing Career, my parents told me that Nursing is complex
and it is all about commitment, care, precision, and precautions. In some way, I agree with their
views. The Journey of Nursing throughout the semesters was full of excitement and astonishing
at every turn. I have always learned from my mistakes that unexpectedly, challenges will appear
and experts should overcome them. This is significant learning to mold ourselves as Nurses. I
have learned how to work efficiently while having high-stress moments and hectic timetables
without impacting a patient’s outcomes (Kipe, 2002).
I was truly influenced by the quote of Louis Hay- “it is okay to learn from every
experience, and it is okay to make mistakes” which gives an encouraging idea about healthy
living. I have always been a person who loves to read and write. It is been almost a year as a
practicing nurse and I have learned that the vital role of nursing is to talk and take care of
patients. Throughout the journey, I have learned to accept the challenges and difficulties
(George, 2011).
As per Self Care Deficit theory by Dorothea E. Orem, I believe that Nurses should
safeguard the relationship with patients as well as with the family members, relatives, visitors,
and friends. I have gained knowledge of health maintenance and health promotion (Self Care
Deficit Theory, 2016). Orem’s method delivered a whole method to examine the self-care
deficits. I have utterly smeared the statement of Orem’s theory which is “must be coordinated
with interpersonal and social pressures with nursing situations”.

Self-Reflection 4
Virginia Henderson defined nursing as supporting patients to improve health and gain
fastest recovery (Virginia Henderson - Developed a definition of nursing, 2010). Throughout the
course, I have compared all the theories of Virginia with my own situations and I have cultured
myself to accept the challenges and develop a new perspective of thinking. Nursing is promotion
of health; both physical and mental care, prevention of illness and, involvement in research and
new technologies.
In Week 5, we were consigned to write and post the evaluation among Watson’s theory
and Orem’s theory. These two theories are almost similar as the both theories emphases on the
care of the patient. Watson’s are Orem’s theories are not open to prejudiced explanation.
Watson’s theory focuses on art, humanities, spirituality and, science which are basically
considered as influenced and intellectual perceptions. Meanwhile, Orem’s theory is well
structured and systematized in three categories: self-care, self-care deficit and, the process of
nursing. Watson’s theory cannot be statistically dignified. However, Orem’s theory is
reckonable. The aim is to work together as a team to deliver consideration, assurance, and
connection to our patients. As per Orem’s theory, nursing process can be assessed by
investigating objective patient outcomes and figures in care setting. The nursing is absolutely
grounded on theory, research and practice. As a nurse, I have worked to possess a common and
recurring relationship between theory, research, and practice (Saleh, 2018). The modification of
nursing knowledge, creates a kind of theoretical practice wherein carefulness is delivered from
side to side proof based practice through various conceptual perspectives are the result of the
research process (S, 1996). Similarly, I understood how to apply all the theories on conditions.
During the 5th stage, I gained a lot of experience and this really improved my quality of work
and also provided the capability for future situations. As per Benner’s stages of Clinical

Self-Reflection 5
competence, amended the stage 4 which is Proficient. Benner described this occurrence as
“proficient nurses learn from experience”. Fundamentally, at this stage I learned a lot from my
past experiences and applied the method of assimilation in current situations. Henceforth, by
implementing theories and lessons taking my nursing career to the final stage of Clinical
Competence.
Nursing in the 21st century is working tirelessly to analyze, protect and improve the
patient’s health. In my opinion, dedication and compassion are the two basic standards to build a
reputation in Nursing. In the United States, Registered nurses (RN) are the backbone of
healthcare. Honestly, there is no better emotion when I was thanked by a patient for the care
which I provided during stay in the hospital. That moment, I felt I was in the correct profession. I
want to grow my career in Nursing because I want to support patients and grow knowledge. I
have pragmatic Betty Neuman’s System model wherein nurses provide care concluding
“primary, secondary and tertiary prevention modes”. Neuman referred the nursing as prevention
of stress incursion.
In a recent assignment, I was taking care of a young patient. I knew she wanted to enjoy
the weather. Therefore, I checked her condition and evaluated that she was in a stable condition.
Thus, I planned to surprise her and took her outside in the garden area. By feeling the warmth of
the sun rays, she smiled gorgeously and eyes were brightened. This actually enhanced the spirit
of the patient. Florence Nightingale stated “ Patients should have access to direct sunlight and
not be subjected to unnecessary noise, especially when sleeping” (Florence Nightingale’s
Environmental Theory, 2019). After this assignment, I have gained a noble experience and now I
can easily find an opportunity to build a relationship with the patient and improve the health of
the patient.

Self-Reflection 6
Patricia Benner has delivered important understanding of how information and abilities
and applied to nursing. Theories of Fay Abdella, Dorothy Johnson, Jean Watson and, Patricia
Benner has really helped to face challenges and strengthen my situation handling power. I
strappingly consider Leininger’s theory transcultural theory as working in major medical centers
in the United States attracts client from all over the world. Nursing theory embraces the nurses to
understand the career vibrancy, motivation and fluidity. By understanding and applying all the
fundamental theories, I have created my own concepts to provide best and safe patient care.
Fundamentally, nursing theories provide thoughts and strategies which define nursing in
Healthcare. In the last phase of Bachelors of Science in Nursing, I strongly feel I am ready to
face all the tasks. I have learned in this course that Nursing is all about flexibility and
responsiveness (Nunnari, 2012). At the same moment, as a Nurse, we have to control our
emotions. As a Nurse, we have to deal with stressful conditions constantly, like, illnesses, trauma
events, and emergencies. As per my experience, emotions are where I lack. However, during the
sessions, I have learned to control my emotions and started to think clearly under conditions
(Nahid Jamshidi, 2016). I am truly inspired the quote of Christine Bell which states “Nurses are
there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it
is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death” (Maden,
2016). When I actually started practicing I realized the work and care is entirely based on the
theories. In fact, nursing theories have built the framework of careful, conscientious and caring
nurse. Conclusively, nursing theories helped to organize the data, understand and analyze patient
data and history, applicable decision making related to nursing involvements. As per my opinion,
nurses should practice persistently and methodically, so that they can become more efficient and
have better controls on the outcome of care. Overall, I have learned and experienced a lot in the

Self-Reflection 7
sessions and training under Bachelors of Science of Nursing. To me, nurse is a care-taker,
advisor, advocate of the patient. Finally, I am glad that I am in final stage of completing my
graduation; Clinical Theories for Registered Nurses.

Self-Reflection 8
Bibliography
Virginia Henderson - Developed a definition of nursing. (2010, 03). Retrieved from Nursing
Times : https://www.nursingtimes.net/virginia-henderson-developed-a-definition-of-
nursing/5012099.article
Self Care Deficit Theory. (2016). Retrieved from Nursing Theory: http://www.nursing-
theory.org/theories-and-models/orem-self-care-deficit-theory.php
Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. (2019). Retrieved from Union Test Prep:
https://uniontestprep.com/hesi-exam/blog/florence-nightingale-s-environmental-theory
George, J. B. (2011). Nursing Theories: The Base for Proffessional Nursing Practice. Prentice
Hall: Pearson.
Kipe, K. (2002). I Want to Be a Nurse! Journal of Christian Nursing, 22-23.
Maden, T. (2016, 11 18). Top Nurse: Christina Bell puts community first . Retrieved from
Madison Magazine: https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/city-life/top-
nurse-christina-bell-puts-community-first/213861091
Nahid Jamshidi, C. T. (2016). The Challenges of Nursing Students in the Clinical Learning
Environment: A Qualitative Study. The Scientific World Journal, 7.
Nunnari, W. (2012, 03 04). Our top 10 great attributes of a nurse. Retrieved from Diversity
Nursing: http://blog.diversitynursing.com/blog/bid/119857/Our-top-10-great-attributes-
of-a-nurse

Self-Reflection 9
S, P. (1996). A nursing perspective on the interrelationships between theory, research and
practice. Pubmed.gov.
Saleh, U. S. (2018). Theory guided practice in nursing. J Nurs Res Pract .