Interrelationship of Theory, Practice, and Research in Nursing and the Role of Nurse Practitioners in Shaping the Future Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Name Instructor Date Interrelationship of Theory, Practice, and Research in Nursing and the Role of Nurse Practitioners in Shaping the Future The interrelationship among theory, practice, and research in nursing is a pivotal aspect of the profession, shaping its growth and efficacy. This critical connection forms the backbone of evidence-based nursing, where theoretical knowledge informs clinical practice and research findings guide the development of new theories. According to Huang et al., 2023, understanding this interplay is paramount for nurses and healthcare providers, as it ensures that patient care remains grounded in the latest research and continuously evolves to meet the changing needs of the healthcare landscape. Interrelationship among Theory, Practice and Research The interrelationship among theory, practice, and research is fundamental to nursing, driving innovation and excellence in patient care. Nursing theory serves as the conceptual foundation of the profession. These theories are systematic and organized ideas that explain and predict various aspects of nursing. They play a crucial role in guiding both nursing practice and research. Nursing theories offer a framework for understanding the patient-nurse relationship, providing a structured approach to care delivery. For instance, theorists like Florence Nightingale and Virginia Henderson have contributed invaluable ideas that have been applied in clinical practice, helping to define the nurse's role and the principles of patient care (Tesh, 2019). Furthermore, nursing theories also provide a basis for research, as they offer testable hypotheses and ideas that can be explored and validated through empirical studies. Nursing practice is where theory meets reality. It is the application of nursing theories and research findings in the clinical setting. Nursing practice is not arbitrary but deeply informed by theory and research. For example, evidence-based practice (EBP) is a methodology that integrates the best available evidence from research with clinical expertise and patient preferences to make decisions about patient care (Sarawad, 2023). EBP emphasizes the importance of research in shaping nursing practice, ensuring that interventions are effective, safe, and tailored to the individual patient's needs.