title: Enhancing cardiac rehabilitation nursing through aligning practice to theory: implications for nursing education.
abstract: This article presents a case study that examined the work practice of nurses in a cardiac step-down unit (CSDU). The action research included interviews, participant observation, and a self-reporting questionnaire. Nurses in the unit used a conceptual framework that was inconsistent with the rehabilitation-oriented nursing necessary to enhance patient outcomes in a CSDU. The results of this study show that a need exists for greater alignment between the practice and the educational preparation of nurses who work in a CSDU. A framework such as Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory of Nursing (1995) offers a conduit for nurses to deliver care appropriate to CSDU patient needs. However, there is a need for continuing education for nursing staff to align the cardiac rehabilitation nursing philosophy and the theories that underpin it (such as the Self-Care Theory) with nursing practice. Practice development provides a mechanism through which to examine the congruence between patient needs and nurse perception of those needs.
authors.affiliation: Organisational Learning and Development, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Conway
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Solman
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009742:Nursing Theory; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011383:Progressive Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012648:Self Care; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management