Ebp Vs Nursing Theory

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Over the last 20 years there has been a plethora of literature discussing the advantages of utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing and a lesser focus regarding theory-based practice. There have been impassioned disputes in some circles calling out the importance of one or the other, while nurses in practice seemingly turn a blind eye to the discourse. As EBP increases in popularity, theory is not viewed as critical to nursing practice. In fact, theory is becoming passé in many baccalaureate programs and nonexistent in graduate education, especially the doctor of nursing practice programs (DNPs). It seems in academe the focus is on the buzz words that attract students to their universities rather than on the importance of who a nurse …show more content…
Both EBP and nursing theory are vital to practice. EBP does not and cannot replace nursing theory. The two should complement one another. Diagnosing and medical care are based in best practice, so understanding and acceptance of these entities is critical. This is where nursing theory comes in. Theory is a way of organizing concepts and ideas. It makes sense, and it is how nursing helps patients to understand the possibilities and what is available to them. It is foundational. It is the basis of who we are as a profession. It is the unique thinking of the nurse about what is happening to the patient in the situation that should guide nurses’ …show more content…
The nurse-patient relationship is a sacred space. Difficult if not impossible to describe, the intimacy created in that space gives rise to the patient living quality. As one listens in dialogical-engagement, compassionate learning takes place. The nurse gleans what the patient is feeling and if the patient needs information or other assistance in living his or her cherished beliefs. It is impossible to quantify the outcome of this engagement. Certainly the EBP nurse may not take the time to even have this type of engagement, hurrying through the situations of the day not knowing the patient or that perhaps this patient does not want the medication you are offering. When the patient refuses a medication or treatment, he or she is labeled as “noncompliant,” and instead of taking the time to find out why, sometimes nurses simply move on to the next