Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
Directions:
For this assignment, you will select one nursing theory and one organizational change theory and write a scholarly paper relating these theories to clinical practice. You will discuss similarities between the two theories, and you will reflect upon your nursing experience and current work setting to complete the assignment requirements.
(Current work setting in-patient rehab)
Content to include in the paper:
Identify one nursing theory and one organizational change theory; analyze key concepts of each theory. Describe any commonalities that exist between the two theories. Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
In the context of your nursing experience, examine a gap in practice or an organizational issue (not related to a DNP project idea); identify how the theories you selected can operationalize a practice change to address the gap in practice or issue in the organization.
Investigate how the selected theories influence health care at the national and global level?
Evaluate how change occurs in the organization where you currently work. Explain if change occurs according to a theoretical framework and if not, what guides change in your organization?
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This paper should be 5 pages in length (excluding title page and references); supported with a minimum of five scholarly, peer reviewed sources external to those assigned in class for this unit; use APA formatting and citation style. (APA 7 WITHIN LAST 5 YEARS)
Improvement
A robust theoretical framework is crucial in the dynamic nursing field as it provides guidance for clinical practice and facilitates organizational transformation. This paper examines the integration of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, a nursing theory, and Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Theory, an organizational change theory. The focus is on addressing a clinical practice gap in an in-patient rehabilitation setting. The paper will commence by presenting the chosen theories and their fundamental principles then examining their shared characteristics. Thereafter, the paper will examine a practical nursing encounter in a rehabilitation facility for hospitalized patients to identify a deficiency in practice and suggest a modification in practice based on the selected theories. Moreover, this discussion will explore the impact of these theories on healthcare systems at both national and global scales. Subsequently, this discussion will examine the process of organizational transformation within the present work environment, including its compatibility with theoretical frameworks. Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
Nursing Theory: Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
The fundamental nursing theory of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring places a strong emphasis on the value of humanistic, holistic care and is based on the notion that nursing practice is fundamentally about caring. Ten carative factors define the theory and include fundamental aspects of nursing work, including building a helping-trusting connection, expressing positive and negative emotions, fostering a healing atmosphere, and instilling hope and faith (Gonzalo, 2023).
Organizational Change Theory: Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Theory
The Change Management Theory put forth by Kurt Lewin is a well-known theory on the subject of organizational change. According to Lewin’s argument, an organization must go through three stages for change to be successful: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing (Barrow et al., 2022). Unfreezing entails lowering opposition and acknowledging the need for change to get the organization ready. While the freezing stage seeks to maintain the new situation so that the change becomes the new norm. The final stage, the changing stage, concentrates on putting the intended changes into action.
Commonalities Between the Theories
There are similarities between Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Theory and Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring that can be used in organizational change and nursing practice. First, the significance of relationships is emphasized in both theories. Watson’s philosophy emphasizes trust, empathy, and support between the nurse and patient as the cornerstones of care (Petiprin, 2023). Likewise, Lewin’s theory acknowledges that robust interpersonal connections are essential for efficient change management and lowering resistance (Barrow et al., 2022).
Second, the significance of comprehending and addressing human emotions is emphasized in both theories. While discussing Watson’s approach, Petiprin (2023) notes that delivering holistic care requires the acknowledgement and expression of both happy and negative emotions. Similarly, in Lewin’s theory, emotions are a major factor in the process of change, and addressing the emotional aspects of change can result in better outcomes (Stanz et al., 2021). Lastly, the development of a favorable environment is supported by both theories. Watson’s idea places a strong emphasis on the value of a therapeutic environment that attends to patients’ emotional and physical needs. Lewin’s theory highlights the importance of the organizational environment and how it affects change initiatives (Harrison et al., 2021). Establishing a setting that encourages trust and constructive transformation is essential in both situations. Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
Identifying a Practice Gap in In-Patient Rehabilitation
At the in-patient rehabilitation center where I currently work, we have uncovered a serious deficiency in the way we educate and involve patients in their own care. Although our team endeavors to deliver exceptional care, I have observed that certain patients display disinterest and a lack of enthusiasm to actively engage in rehabilitation, which can impede their development. This practice gap might be attributed to the conventional, authoritarian method of healthcare provision, in which patients are frequently passive beneficiaries of care rather than engaged participants.
Applying the Selected Theories for Practice Change
The integration of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Theory can be pivotal in addressing the identified practice gap and fostering patient engagement in rehabilitation. Integrating Watson’s theory into the rehabilitation environment entails fostering a compassionate, reliable, and genuine nurse-patient connection. One can accomplish this by engaging in active listening, recognizing patient problems, and demonstrating empathy. Additionally, it entails establishing a therapeutic atmosphere that promotes the process of rehabilitation. To put this theory into practice, the personnel can get training in the concepts of humanistic care, with a focus on the significance of fostering an authentic bond with patients and building trust.
The application of Lewin’s Change Management Theory can facilitate the process of unfreezing the current authoritative approach to patient care. According to Barrow et al. (2022), this stage entails generating consciousness of the necessity for change and diminishing opposition to patient engagement. Staff education and talks emphasizing the advantages of patient involvement in rehabilitation can facilitate this goal. The changing stage of Lewin’s theory entails the execution of the intended transformation. Within this particular framework, it motivates patients to actively engage in their rehabilitation process, establish objectives, and assume responsibility for their recovery. Staff can facilitate this process by equipping patients with the essential tools, knowledge, and resources required to make well-informed decisions regarding their healthcare. The refreezing stage, which is the last phase in Lewin’s theory, is crucial for ensuring the integration of the change into the organization’s culture on a permanent basis (Barrow et al., 2022). Within the realm of patient engagement, this entails creating novel standards where patient participation becomes the customary procedure. Personnel can consistently emphasize the significance of patient involvement, while the institution can oversee advancement and modify accordingly to maintain the alteration. Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
Influence of the Theories on Healthcare at National and Global Levels
Watson’s theory supports patient-centered care models that prioritize the patient’s voice and experience, and it helps create a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare. Numerous healthcare systems have largely implemented this strategy, which has increased patient outcomes and satisfaction. Globally, the World Health Organization’s objective of attaining universal health coverage with a focus on high-quality care and patient involvement (World Health Organization, 2023) aligns with the emphasis on humanistic care.
Lewin’s theory of change management had a significant influence on healthcare organizations across the globe. In the current era of swift innovations in healthcare, companies frequently need to adjust fast to new procedures and technologies. Lewin’s theory offers a methodical framework for handling these adjustments well, resulting in more seamless transitions and better patient care (Harrison et al., 2021). Successful implementation of Lewin’s theory can lead to healthcare organizations nationwide being more flexible and responsive to the population’s changing demands.
Evaluation of Organizational Change in the Current Work Setting
Change happens in my current workplace, an in-patient rehabilitation hospital, in response to staff input, patient requirements, and new best practices. However, a formal theoretical framework does not always provide guidance for the process of change. The organization has traditionally depended on trial and error, and modifications are frequently made reactively. Although this strategy has produced some encouraging results, it does not follow the organized, methodical approach recommended by Lewin’s Change Management Theory. The organization could gain from a more structured and predictable approach to change management by formalizing the change process. This might lead to longer-lasting and more effective practice changes, such as the suggested move toward patient participation in rehabilitation. Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
Conclusion
Improving patient care and organizational results requires the integration of nursing theory and organizational transformation theory into clinical practice. Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Theory and Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring both provide insightful perspectives on the significance of interpersonal connections, emotional intelligence, and the development of a supportive atmosphere in the healthcare industry. As demonstrated in the example of an in-patient rehabilitation center, these ideas can be successfully implemented to close gaps in clinical practice and bring about significant positive change. Furthermore, these theories have an impact on healthcare on a national and international scale by endorsing patient-centered care and offering a methodical approach to change management. Although no theoretical framework consistently guides change processes in my current work environment, incorporating Lewin’s theory could result in more structured and predictable change management, ensuring that the suggested practice change is successfully implemented and maintained over time.
References
Barrow, J. M., Toney-Butler, T. J., & Annamaraju, P. (2022, September 18). Change management. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459380/
Gonzalo, A. (2023, July 2). Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/jean-watsons-philosophy-theory-transpersonal-caring/
Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where Do Models for Change Management, Improvement and Implementation Meet? A Systematic Review of the Applications of Change Management Models in Healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, Volume 13(13), 85–108. NCBI. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176
Petiprin, A. (2023). Watson’s philosophy and science of caring. Nursing Theory. https://nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/watson-philosophy-and-science-of-caring.php
Stanz, L., Silverstein, S., Vo, D., & Thompson, J. (2021). Leading through rapid change management. Hospital Pharmacy, 001857872110468. https://doi.org/10.1177/00185787211046855
World Health Organization. (2023, October 5). Universal health coverage (UHC). World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc) Bridging Nursing Theory and Organizational Change Theory
