Nursing theories from the 1950-1970s may not fully address the complexities of today's healthcare environment, as they are often content and context-specific. With the rise of Evidence-based Practice (EBP), staff nurses are expected to lead quality improvement and practice changes, aligning with Micro-systems Theory and the American Nurses' Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program. However, nurses typically learn nursing theory only in undergraduate and graduate programs, without exposure to change theories, quality improvement models, or EBP/translation theories from other fields like psychology and education. This book offers a concise overview of education, communication, and quality improvement theories that are practical and valuable for clinical practice. Each chapter provides a summary of these theories and supporting evidence for their use in practice, education, and research. Although written from a nursing perspective, the book is beneficial for any healthcare professional working in clinical, educational, or research settings.
Debra J. Gillespie, PhD, RN, CNE, earned her BSN from the University of Southern Maine, her MS from Northeastern University, and her PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, all in the US. She has worked in various roles, including Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Magnet Coordinator, and Clinical Nurse Educator. Currently, she is an Associate Professor and Assistant Director of Research and Resources at the University of Southern Maine. A member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Deb is passionate about nursing research, evidence-based practice, and mentoring. She co-authored the Multi-system Model of Knowledge Integration and Translation (MKIT), an evidence-based practice model tested in clinical settings for quality improvement.Dr Petersen holds a PhD in Health Sciences Leadership and is an expert in curriculum design and nursing education. She has been recognized for her leadership and research in nursing, receiving the "Beacon of Light" award in 2018. Her research focuses on horizontal violence and resiliency in nursing, and she has secured over $1 million in education grants.
