Expanding the theoretical understanding in Advanced Practice Nursing: Framing the future

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to discuss the importance of the integration of nursing theories in advanced nursing to meet future demands.

Background: Nursing studies reporting a lack of professional care have increased in recent years and indicate a global complex socioecological problem. The lack of a clear theoretical understanding in education, research and practice makes Advanced Practice Nursing invisible and vulnerable.

Design: A theoretical paper was selected to stimulate vital reflexion and debate about the importance of theory integration.

Methods: The selection of nursing theories represents the position of some theorists based on our experiences with national and international research and personal leadership in a master's degree program.

Implications for nurses: For nurses to continue to make a difference in the lives of their patients, practitioners, and researchers need to practice and expand theoretical understanding within their fields. This would enable them to be visible and at the forefront of the wider changes in health care owing to their central position and connection to health organizations.

Conclusion: Nursing theories are essential to the continuing evolution of the discipline of nursing. Postgraduate programs in nursing and research must be encouraged to use and further develop nursing theories to facilitate the advancement of nursing care in education, research, and practice.

Keywords: Advanced Practice Nursing; master's degree programs in nursing education; nursing theory.