Chief Nursing Officer Perspectives on Nursing Theory-Guided Practice.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify what guides nursing practice. BACKGROUND Change occurred when the Magnet Recognition Program® no longer required a nursing theory. METHODS This was a mixed-methods study to identify the process used to implement nursing theory-guided practice and the relationship to professional practice recognition. Deidentified quantitative data were collected from 36 chief nursing officers (CNOs). Seventeen CNOs participated in the qualitative interview. RESULTS Thirteen CNOs were from a Magnet®-designated facility. Ten CNOs were on the Magnet journey, and 2 had no intent to seek Magnet recognition. Two CNOs were from a Pathway to Excellence®-designated facility. One CNO was on the Pathway to Excellence journey. The majority of respondents who were Magnet® recognized who participated in the survey used Watson's Theory of Human Caring. Themes were identified that share the benefits and strategies to integrate nursing-guided theory into nursing processes, structures, and outcomes. CONCLUSION Findings will benefit CNOs as they make decisions related to pursuing Magnet status recognition.