1) The article summarizes Kolcaba's Comfort Theory, which is a middle-range theory used to enhance the nursing practice environment and promote professional practice. The theory was used by a New England hospital applying for Magnet status. 2) Theory provides value for nursing research by helping to identify research problems and inform the direction of studies. For example, Comfort Theory could be used to guide research questions about patient comfort. 3) In my nursing practice, I apply theories of growth and development to assess pediatric patients and plan age-appropriate care.

1. Application of Theory to Practice
QUESTIONApplication of Theory to PracticeTop of FormApplication of Theory to
PracticeThis week’s Learning Resources present information about various types of
theories. For this Discussion, you will examine some of these theories and evaluate how
theory is utilized in research as well as how it informs your nursing practice.To
prepare:Review the Learning Resources focusing on the different types of theories that are
relevant for nursing practice.Locate a scholarly article in the professional nursing literature
that discusses a middle range or practice theory. Determine if the theory is descriptive,
explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive in nature.With this in mind, consider how nursing
theory is utilized in research. For instance, how might this theory be useful for identifying a
research problem?Then, reflect on your nursing practice. As indicated in Chapter 2
of Theoretical Basis for Nursing, theories differ in scope—from the more abstract
metatheory and grand theories to the more concrete middle range and practice theories.
Brainstorm examples of how theory is applied in your nursing practice. Identify one to
share in this Discussion.By tomorrow 6/6/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with 3
references from the list below, that include the level one heading as numbered below:post a
cohesive response that addresses the following:1) Summarize your selected article,
identifying the middle range or practice theory utilized, and explaining whether the theory
was descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive. (Include the APA citation for the
article.) (SEE ATTACHED PDF)2) Describe the value of theory for nursing research. Be
specific.3) Share an example of how theory is applied in your nursing practice.Required
ReadingsMcEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.Chapter 2, “Overview of Theory in
Nursing” Chapter 2 presents the evolution of nursing theory and examines the different
types of theories that serve as a foundation for nursing practice.Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., &
Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal,
synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.Chapter 5,
“Research Problem and Purpose” Chapter 5 explores a process for identifying, selecting, and
refining research topics and articulating the purpose of the research.Algase, D. (2009). The
centrality of theoretical thinking and the value of empirical evidence. Research & Theory for
Nursing Practice, 23(4), 251–252. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.23.4.251 Note: You will access
this article from the Walden Library databases. This article explores the concept that
humans are natural theorists along with the importance of using empirical evidence to
support theories.Gould, D, Moralejo, D., Drey, N., & Chudleigh, J. (2010). Interventions to

2. improve hand hygiene compliance in patient care. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews, (9). Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.This
systematic review examined recent hand hygiene intervention studies seeking to improve
hand hygiene compliance.Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Comfort theory: A
unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. Journal of Nursing
Administration, 36(11), 538–544.Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library
databases. The use of Comfort Theory by a not-for-profit New England hospital to provide a
coherent and consistent pattern for enhancing care and promoting professional practice
when applying for Magnet Recognition Status is described in this article.McCurry, M. K.,
Revell, S. M. H., & Roy, S. C. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the individual and society:
Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–
52. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2009.00423.x Note: You will access this article from the
Walden Library databases. This article explores many facets of the social concept nursing,
and how nursing contributes to the good of society. The philosophical underpinnings,
perspective, goals, and application to practice of the social mandate are examined.O’Connell,
K. (2009). Theories used in nursing research on smoking cessation. Annual Review of
Nursing Research, 2733–2762. doi:10.1891/0739-6686.27.33 Note: You will access this
article from the Walden Library databases. This article identifies theories, theoretical
frameworks, and conceptual models that can be applied to a specific topic. In addition, the
article discusses ways nurses can devise new theories through their expert knowledge of
clinical issues.Optional ResourcesBrilowski, G., & Wendler, M. (2005). An evolutionary
concept analysis of caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 50(6), 641–650.Note: You will
access this article from the Walden Library databases.Connor, M.J. (2004). The practical
discourse in philosophy and nursing: An exploration of linkages and shifts in the evolution
of praxis. Nursing Philosophy, 5(1), 54–66. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2004.00152.xNote:
You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.Falk-Rafael, A. (2005).
Advancing nursing theory through theory-guided practice: The emergence of a critical
caring perspective. Advances in Nursing Science, 28(1), 38–49.Note: You will access this
article from the Walden Library databases.Knight, C. M., Moule, P., & Desbottes, Z. (2000).
The grid that bridges the gap. Nurse Education Today, 20(2), 116–122.
doi:10.1054/nedt.1999.0374 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library
databases.Bottom of Form