Final answer:
Nursing practice refers to the general duties of registered nurses, while advanced practice nursing involves higher education and autonomy in patient care, often requiring a master's or doctorate degree. Nursing theories, such as Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring and Patricia Benner's Stages of Clinical Competence, support the practice of advanced practice nurses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Nursing Practice and Advanced Practice Nursing
The difference between nursing practice and advanced practice nursing (APN) lies predominantly in the scope of practice, level of education, and the roles carried out by the nurses. Nursing practice typically refers to the basic duties that registered nurses (RNs) perform, which are guided by nursing processes, principles, and standards of care. These include providing direct patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with other healthcare team members. On the other hand, advanced practice nursing involves a higher level of clinical expertise, education (generally a master's or doctorate degree), and autonomy in decision making. APNs, which include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists, can diagnose and manage patient care, including prescribing medications.
Nursing Theories Supporting Advanced Practice Nursing
To support advanced practice nursing, various nursing theories can be applied. These theories provide a foundation for APNs to base their practice on evidence-based research and to guide their clinical decision-making. Some of the commonly used theories in APN include Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, which emphasizes the humanistic aspects of nursing combined with scientific knowledge, and Patricia Benner's Stages of Clinical Competence, which describes how nurses develop skills and an understanding of patient care over time through a sound educational base and a multitude of experiences.