Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Nursing - Research Paper Example The stages of change can be accounted for by using the following measures or constructs: decisional balance and self-efficacy or temptations. The former construct mirrors the person’s reflection of the advantages and disadvantages of the behavior (â€Å"Transtheoretical Model,† n.d.). It involves grouping together different categories of pros and cons, and deliberating which among the two groups is deemed more important. Plotting of the results in a line graph will demonstrate that the perceived value of a pro or a con will have changed over time, depending on the stage of change that the person is at. The self-efficacy, or temptation, construct on the other hand, depicts the co-worker’s confidence to cope with the stresses associated with the behavioral change; or the temptation to fall back to old habits (â€Å"Transtheoretical Model,† n.d.). When plotted in a graph, data will show that self-efficacy increases, while temptation decreases, as the person p rogresses through the succeeding stages of change. By using this model, change of habits and behaviors will be more effective since change is voluntary. Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behavior The Theory of Reasoned Action proposes that â€Å"...the immediate determinant of behavior is intention...† (Kohler, Grimley, & Reynolds, 1999, p. 25). ... Subjective norm, on the other hand, is influenced by the approval or disapproval of the behavior by people important to the person. If washing hands gain a seal of approval from a child’s mother, then the child will have the strong intent to perform the act. A new modification of the aforementioned theory is the Theory of Planned Behavior; it adds an additional factor--perceived behavioral control, to the list that influences behavioral intention (Kohler, Grimley, & Reynolds, 1999, p. 27). Perceived behavioral control refers to the person’s perception of the barriers and resources that can aid or impede the performance of the behavior. Perceived difficulties can have a negative effect on intention, whereas resources can induce a positive effect. By employing these theories in the prevention of infection in the health care setting, the nurse will be able to identify the different beliefs that affect practices in infection control; and educate proper techniques, as well a s correct false notions, so as to focus behavioral intention on proper infection-prevention activities. The most encouraging messages are those that highlight the decline of incidence of infection, as well as the assurance of protection from harm (Kohler, Grimley, & Reynolds, 1999, p. 28). Use of Katharine Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort The foundation of nursing practice, hence nursing theories, came into being in the late 1950s. Before this time, theories applied in nursing were borrowed from other disciplines. In order to affirm its relevance as a profession and to couple nursing art with evidence-based practice, a set of theories were established to support and prove the practicability, as well as the applicability of different nursing interventions. The