History of Nursing Science and Its Connection To Evidence

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History of Nursing Science and Its Connection to Evidence-Based Practice
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History of Nursing Science and Its Connection to Evidence-Based Practice
Nursing science has evolved over the years from a service profession to a profession that
entails research, theory, and evidence-based practice. This evolution is significant when studying
the application of scientific knowledge by nurses in the process of Considering patient care. EBP
in the current healthcare field is essential for advanced practice nursing since it creates the
opportunity between what is learned in nursing education and its implementation, as well as
improving nursing care delivery. In this paper, the development of nursing science, its
fundamental concepts, and the significance of EBP within the contemporary advanced practice
nursing specializations are described.
Scientific Paradigms of Nursing Science.
Over the years, there have been shifts in the paradigm of nursing science. Some of the
early practices of nursing were subjective observations that were practised through experiments
based on successive errors. However, it is Florence Nightingale who has been attributed for
coming up with the first foundation of modern nursing science through her ‘‘Environmental
theory’’ which insisted on the need to have clean air, water, and general hygiene as part of the
patient treatment process. Nightingale’s work followed the movement from the custodial model
to the scientific model (Alligood, 2017).
As the discipline of nursing was evolving into a specialized science, others emerged into
the fold. Perhaps one of the most evident developments that took root around the mid part of the
1900s was the integration of different care models. All of these models focused on the body,
mind, and soul treatment strategies when addressing patients. At present, the gold standard of
care in nursing science is patient-centred care, which includes patients’ preferences, values,
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needs, and interactions with other staff and healthcare providers (Smith & Parker, 2015).
Therefore, this type of paradigm is well utilized in the present healthcare as it recognizes the
patient’s biopsychosocial model of health.
Nursing Theory and Research
Over the years, nursing theories have significantly contributed to the development of
nursing science. Orem’s Self-Care Theory and Roy’s Adaptation Model are examples of theories
that have offered frameworks in the practice of nursing and research. For instance, Orem’s theory
focuses on the nurses listening and attending to the needs of the patients who have specific
problems that they face daily so as to be in a position to assist them in performing their self-care
activities on their own, something which is of great importance, especially in handling chronic
diseases such as diabetes (Masters, 2014). Roy's model, in contrast, emphasizes the patient's
readiness for change in health state and environment, which is a central tenant of rehabilitation
and some palliative care.
Scholarship is the foundation of nursing knowledge, as it furnishes substantive data for
testing or validating theoretical constructs in nursing. Nursing research has grown steadily in the
past several decades, and investigations have been conducted on a wide range of topics, ranging
from patient safety to the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions. This research has assisted
in enriching the content of nursing theories that help in creating guidelines. First, the study
enables the nurses to keep abreast with practice changes in accordance with evidence-based
practices, as the existing research underpins the EBP to support the effectiveness of the
implemented nursing interventions.
Evidence-Based Practice Approach for Advanced Nursing Practice

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A particular approach to decision-making in client care is known as evidence-based
practice (EBP), and it involves clinical experience, client values, and research findings. EBP is a
move from traditional culture and beliefs, embracing evidence-based practices, resulting in better
patient status and decreased health expenses. According to Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt (2022),
The EBP process typically involves several steps, including the definition of the clinical issue,
systematic literature review, critical analysis of the evidence, synthesis of evidence into practice,
and evaluation of practice changes.
In graduate-level nursing practice, EBP is crucial as it empowers nurses to make
evidence-based decisions. For instance, nurse practices apply EBP while recommending
medications or outlining desired therapies or a course of action for the patient. EBP also fosters a
culture of learning and critical thinking so that nurses can ask for new knowledge that is better
for patients. However, the application of EBP can prove challenging given the limited access to
research findings, especially in low-income countries. It, therefore, implies a need for healthcare
professionals to be willing to continue learning and for there to be communication between
professionals.
In conclusion, nursing science history gives a clear testimony of the profession towards
the enhancement of health care through research theory and evidence. From Nightingale's early
observation up to the present-day patient-centred care model, the nursing science field continues
to dynamism as it addresses social needs. Currently, EBP is viewed as being at the pinnacle of
the four domains of advanced nursing practice and is used to update patient care with the
available evidence continuously. With an understanding of the scientific paradigms, nursing
theories, and research that support EBP, nurses can continue to deliver quality care that enhances
the quality of life of the patients served.

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References
Alligood, M. R. (2017). Nursing Theorists and Their Work-E-Book: Nursing Theorists and Their
Work-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Masters, K. (2014). Nursing theories: A framework for professional practice. Jones & Bartlett
Publishers. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sd0-
BAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=Masters,+K.+(2015).+Nursing+theories:
+A+framework+for+professional+practice+(2nd+ed.).+Jones+
%26+Bartlett+Learning.&ots=4qDFr240DX&sig=0Ji3SD045ItixTyM_zg3lsFNDus&redi
r_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2022). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare:
A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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History of Nursing Science and Its Connection to Evidence-Based Practice

History of Nursing Science and Its Connection to Evidence-Based Practice

nursing specializations are described.

Scientific Paradigms of Nursing Science.

to the scientific model (Alligood, 2017).

patient’s biopsychosocial model of health.

Nursing Theory and Research

and some palliative care.

Scholarship is the foundation of nursing knowledge, as it furnishes substantive data for

implemented nursing interventions.

Evidence-Based Practice Approach for Advanced Nursing Practice

A particular approach to decision-making in client care is known as evidence-based

and evaluation of practice changes.

In graduate-level nursing practice, EBP is crucial as it empowers nurses to make

professionals to be willing to continue learning and for there to be communication between

available evidence continuously. With an understanding of the scientific paradigms, nursing

the quality of life of the patients served.

Work-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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