title: The use of theory-based nursing practice in the Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Centers.
abstract: In this study, the authors surveyed the chief nurses of 152 Veterans' Health Administration Medical Centers to determine which medical centers based their nursing practice on one or more nursing theories or models. Of the 76 medical centers responding, 24 (35%) stated theory-based practice was in use in their institutions. The greatest number (16 of the 24) reported use of Orem's Self-Care Deficit theory or a combination of Orem with other theories. Most of the 24 chief nurses agreed that theory-based practice: 1) improves patient outcomes; 2) maximizes patient health; and 3) provides a consistent approach to care. However, they were less convinced that theory-based practice reduces nursing staff turnover or improves job satisfaction. They also stated that theory-based practice is more important to nursing administrators than to staff nurses. A similar survey of staff nurses is recommended.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bonamy
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hampton
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009742:Nursing Theory