title: Nursing theory-based independent nursing practice: a personal experience of closing the theory-practice gap.
abstract: The article presents a narrative and exemplar from an independent nursing practice underpinned by the theory of health as expanding consciousness. The journey illustrates the importance of developing personal and professional awareness of theories that are congruent with one's worldview. This enhances meaning in nursing practice and contributes to closing the theory-practice gap. The benefits of independent nursing practice to closing the gap are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA. kmusk@earthlink.net
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Musker
mesh_terms: D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D002983:Clinical Competence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*