Nurses can apply different nursing theories to support their practice and ensure patients are provided with evidence based care. One of the nursing theories that can be applied for this purpose is the Virginia Henderson Nursing Need Theory. This theory provides nurses with a strong base as well as guidance for practice. The nursing need theory is aimed at increasing the independence of patients consequently improving their outcome of health (Vera, 2014). The core focus of this theory is to encourage nurses to implement measures for addressing the basic needs of the patients (Vance, 2011). Virginia Henderson made it clear that the needs and interests of the patients should be integrated into the care plan to enhance the rate of patients’ recovery. The theory also points out that nurses have a crucial role to play in ensuring the needs of the patients are satisfied during care. Henderson defined nursing as the exemplary role of the nurse to assist the sick or well in the performance of activities, which contribute to their health or its recovery. The main goal of nursing practice is to make patients “whole” again and make it possible for them to regain their health and independence (Vera, 2014).

The nursing need theory is grounded on several assumptions. The first assumption is that the final desire of the patients is to attain good health. Another assumption is that it is the responsibility of nurses to provide patients with care until they are able to take care of themselves (Vera, 2014).. Nurses are driven by the will and desire to provide patients with quality services at all times and that the body and mind of an individual are inseparable components that must be considered in care delivery are the other assumptions (Vance, 2011). The nursing need theory can be simplified to support the perception that care providers have a responsibility, both legally and ethically, to provide patients with quality care in a health care setting until their health is restored (Vera, 2014)..

The nursing need theory compels nurses to seek practical ways through which to increase knowledge and skills necessary to serve the patients. Even though nurses are expected to execute the therapeutic plan developed by the physician, enhanced outcome of health is achieved when these professionals use their creativity and professionalism in planning for care (Vera, 2014).. A nurse should have high level of knowledge and competence for making independent judgments when faced with critical issues.

Practicum goals and objectives

Women form the largest proportion of the patient population targeted by the practicum experience. Therefore, the goal of the practicum is to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to handle different health issues affecting the women patient population. The practicum experience is pegged on several objectives. One of these objectives is to develop professional identity, which involves the ability to provide quality, and evidence based care to women (Fitzpatrick & Ea, 2012). Building up in addition to demonstrating professionalism at the work place are core objectives of the practicum experience. Professionalism will be acquired through development of appropriate communication skills, professional etiquette, health ethics, and teamwork. Consequently, the ability of the nurse to manage women presenting with different health conditions will be enhanced (Vance, 2011). The other objective is to gain more knowledge and skills essential for nursing practice; this includes learning about the essence teamwork in a health care setting.

An important aspect to note is that communication forms the base for teamwork and improved service delivery (Kearney-Nunnery, 2012). The other objective therefore is to develop the ability to communicate with other care providers, patients, and families. Proper communication makes it easier to gather appropriate feedback from the relevant parties. Another objective is to gain a deeper understand the issues related to women health. This understanding will make it easier to conduct clinical interviews with women in a practical manner that guarantees the patient that her needs and interests will be achieved (Vance, 2011). The ability to develop a positive nurse-patient relationship is a priceless skill when dealing with women. The fact that the patients are assured of an environment where their health needs are a priority increases the chances for better outcome of health (Kearney-Nunnery, 2012). It is anticipated that practicum experience will increase awareness of social and legislative issues as well as the understanding of how they influence the role of individual nurses and health care organizations at large.

Timeline of practicum activities

Activities
timeline

1
Comprehensive review of the nursing program mission
March 2017

2
Participate in creating appropriate learning environment
March 2017

3
Identification of fitting learning activities
April 2017

4
Identification of suitable preceptors
April  2017

5
Participate in continued educator learning
April  2017

6
Identification of learning objectives for clinical rotations
April  2017

7
Comprehensive literature search for assessment of learning experience as well as learning outcome outcomes
May 2017

References:

Fitzpatrick, J., & Ea, E. (2012). 201 careers in nursing. New York, NY: Springer.

Kearney-Nunnery, R., (2012).  Advancing Your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing. F. A. Davis Company.

Vance, C. (2011). Fast facts for career success in nursing: Making the most of mentoring in a nutshell. New York: Springer Pub.

Vera, M., (2014).Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory. Retrieved on December 01, 2015 from http://nurseslabs.com/virginia-hendersons-need-theory/