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Nursing theory in nursing education: an educational imperative
1School of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401-9403.
Summary
Nursing education must integrate theory across all levels, not isolate it in graduate courses. This approach ensures students value nursing theory as essential for practice and professional development.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Theory
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Nursing practice increasingly accepts theory as fundamental.
- Current nursing education often isolates theory, particularly in graduate programs.
- This isolation hinders students' understanding of theory's essential role in practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a systematic scheme for integrating nursing theory content across all educational levels.
- To advocate for a curricular approach that embeds theory from associate to doctoral programs.
- To enhance the socialization of students to the value of theory in nursing.
Main Methods:
- The article presents a proposed scheme for curriculum integration.
- The scheme focuses on systematic inclusion of theory-related content.
- It spans all levels of nursing education, from associate to doctorate.
Main Results:
- Current curricular approaches limit the effective use and development of nursing theory.
- Isolating theory or confining it to graduate studies suggests it is esoteric.
- These methods inhibit students' socialization to the value of theory.
Conclusions:
- Integrating nursing theory across all educational levels is imperative.
- A systematic, multi-level approach is necessary for effective theory integration.
- Theory-based practice is key to realizing nursing's full potential as a discipline.