Running head: THEORY OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IN NURSING 1
Theory of Intellectual Capital in Nursing
An important responsibility of a nurse manager is to maintain and develop nursing human
capital. The theory of intellectual capital as it concerns the nursing profession is to identify and
support the important concepts and relationships needed to advance nursing knowledge in the
healthcare organization. With the emphasis on education in the nursing profession, continuing
, THEORY OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IN NURSING 2
professional development needs to be supported. The knowledge gained from the education
needs to be put into practice so that patient care and the organization may be impacted. McEwen
and Willis (2014) explain that management and leadership nursing positions, in all healthcare
settings, need to have an in depth knowledge of models and theories of administration and
management. Spence, Read, Wilk and Finegan (2014) described work effectiveness saying
positive associations within various nursing situations are valuable for both nursing and patient
outcomes. This is important to the quality of care that nurses can provide with an improved
quality in care that patients are receiving. This can be a significant determining factor to job
satisfaction, and compromising in this area can lead to nurses leaving their positions and finding
a situation that can meet and support their values of professional practice.
Christine Covell is the developer of the middle-range theory of intellectual capital in
nursing. Covell and Sidani (2013) expounded on the theory saying that it was derived from the
economic and accounting theory of intellectual capital. The basis of this theory is the continuing
education and professional development in the nursing profession. From this research it seems
nursing knowledge, skills and experience directly impact patient care. As in the business world,
intellectual capital is directly tied to the performance and outcomes for the organization.
Nursing leaders are the ones responsible for the development of their subordinate nursing
staff members. Poe (2011) pointed out nurse leaders are observed as essential to bringing about
organizational transformational changes. There is an increased importance in nursing leaders
understanding the impact that nursing knowledge, skills and experience has to outcomes
involving patients as well as the organization. Intellectual capital can lead to enhanced safety for
patients, and a decrease in organizational risks.
Theory of Intellectual Capital in Nursing
An important responsibility of a nurse manager is to maintain and develop nursing human
capital. The theory of intellectual capital as it concerns the nursing profession is to identify and
support the important concepts and relationships needed to advance nursing knowledge in the
healthcare organization. With the emphasis on education in the nursing profession, continuing
, THEORY OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IN NURSING 2
professional development needs to be supported. The knowledge gained from the education
needs to be put into practice so that patient care and the organization may be impacted. McEwen
and Willis (2014) explain that management and leadership nursing positions, in all healthcare
settings, need to have an in depth knowledge of models and theories of administration and
management. Spence, Read, Wilk and Finegan (2014) described work effectiveness saying
positive associations within various nursing situations are valuable for both nursing and patient
outcomes. This is important to the quality of care that nurses can provide with an improved
quality in care that patients are receiving. This can be a significant determining factor to job
satisfaction, and compromising in this area can lead to nurses leaving their positions and finding
a situation that can meet and support their values of professional practice.
Christine Covell is the developer of the middle-range theory of intellectual capital in
nursing. Covell and Sidani (2013) expounded on the theory saying that it was derived from the
economic and accounting theory of intellectual capital. The basis of this theory is the continuing
education and professional development in the nursing profession. From this research it seems
nursing knowledge, skills and experience directly impact patient care. As in the business world,
intellectual capital is directly tied to the performance and outcomes for the organization.
Nursing leaders are the ones responsible for the development of their subordinate nursing
staff members. Poe (2011) pointed out nurse leaders are observed as essential to bringing about
organizational transformational changes. There is an increased importance in nursing leaders
understanding the impact that nursing knowledge, skills and experience has to outcomes
involving patients as well as the organization. Intellectual capital can lead to enhanced safety for
patients, and a decrease in organizational risks.
