1. Theories seem to be such esoteric notions for a profession that seemed to function well for decades, without highlighting them. Can our practice history guide our practice future with theories? Why/not?

 

When it comes to nursing theory, I truly believe that our past can positively affect our future.

Throughout the more recent history of the nursing profession, theories have become a staple by

helping it not only amplify published works but also education ranging from continent to

continent. Theory has not only brought the patient and their families to the forefront of care

but also have helped increase the quality of that care over the past century (Alligood, 2018). If

the focus of nursing theory did not increase throughout the end of the 20th century then the

nursing practice would not be as evolved and holistic as it is today. Nursing theory guided

practice has allowed nurses to better understand and express what it is they actually do for

their patients. On the other hand, it helps nurses also understand why it is they give the care

and implement the interventions that they do. Comprehending not only what you are doing

but also why you are practicing it ultimately helps increase the quality of care. This then can

lead to more satisfaction with not only patients but also their families (Younas and Quennell,

2019). Nursing theory is an essential part of the profession of nursing by increasing the quality

of nursing practice through critical, logical and authoritative thinking.

2. Define both rationalism and empiricism. Differentiate between these two scientific

approaches.

Rationalism- A belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and

knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of priori reasoning as the appropriate method for

advancing knowledge. A prior reasoning used deductive logic by reasoning from the cause to an

effect or from a generalization to a particular instance. Rationalism is based more upon the

natural. Knowledge comes what is in our mind, what we see and how we perceive it to be. It is

not based upon the actual happening but more so on our nature. In rationalism, theory comes

first while research comes second. (Alligood, 2018; Markie, 2017).

Empiricism- A theory that states all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is based

upon that truth is found through the facts and what occurs in the world around us. Knowledge

can only be acquired through our own experiences that we go through in life. Empiricism claims

we cannot gain something if it is not given to us and that we must go through an experience to

learn from it or gain some sort of knowledge or belief. Research comes first then theory comes

second (Alligood, 2018; Markie, 2017).