Advancing nursing practice: an evaluation study of Parse's theory of human becoming.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in nursing practice and the patient/family perspectives of nursing care when Parse's theory of human becoming was used as a guide for nursing practice in an acute care surgical setting. The patterns of transition in nursing practice were: understanding the unique contribution of nursing from a theoretical perspective; living value priorities to enhance quality of care for patients and families; shifting the focus of care from problems to the nurse-person relationship; finding meaning in nursing through reflection on self and others; supporting colleagues to move towards patient centred care; persisting with new ways while facing resistance to change; and enhancing personal and professional growth. It is evident from the positive patterns of change in nursing practice and patient and family experiences of nursing care that Parse's theory of human becoming is congruent with and supports patient centred nursing practice.