Congruence between nursing education and nursing service: a common conceptual/theoretic framework for nursing units

The results of the incorporation of a conceptual/theoretic framework in this nursing service setting have been an improvement in the service to consumers of nursing, an effective restructuring of the environment of the health care agency advantageous for the client and for nursing staff, and the differentiation of practice roles according to education, experiences, and client needs. It has fostered understanding, acceptance, and support of the contribution of theory development and nursing research to nursing and health care. It brought together nurse leaders in education and service to the benefit of both and with maximum benefit to the consumer of nursing services. The specification of the philosophy, outcome behaviors, and conceptual/theoretic frameworks has allowed nurses to have control over nursing. It has incorporated nurses in setting the pace for the future of nursing practice, promoted the development of peer activity and review, and demonstrated how nursing can make a difference. The benefit for the nurse includes increased job satisfaction, enhanced professional and personal development, increased self-esteem, and the realization that the service of nursing is a valued and valuable service to consumers. Promotion of the image of the nurse was another outcome, as was the realization that nurse educators and nurse supervisors share common goals. The timeframe may be different in that educators see a finished product years ahead while nurse supervisors see client outcomes on a daily basis. The gap between these two efforts is bridged by the use of common conceptual/theoretic frameworks for the design and administration of both the nursing education and nursing service units.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)