Why are nursing theories important to nursing?

There was a time when nursing was a two year college
diploma that mainly concentrated on science and mathematics related to health care.
However, nursing has changed over the last ten years or so. More specifically,
curriculum requirements have changed as nurses are being required to fulfill more and
more responsibilities. For instance, you can rarely speak to doctors once you
are admitted into a hospital. The theoretical aspects of the nursing programs are
included into the nursing curriculum to prepare a student for higher level positions
that involve administrative duties. These positions involve writing and communicating
information rather than bed side care of the patients. The academic world includes
theoretical components in all areas; nursing is no different from other programs. Theory
aims to present different perspectives on a particular topic rather than giving a
student a concrete answer to a question.