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What Are Nursing Theories
What Are Nursing Theories
Philosophy. These are beliefs and values that define a way of thinking and
are generally known and understood by a group or discipline.
Theory. A belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of
action. It refers to a logical group of general propositions used as principles
of explanation. Theories are also used to describe, predict, or control
phenomena.
Concept. Concepts are often called the building blocks of theories. They
are primarily the vehicles of thought that involve images.
Models. Models are representations of the interaction among and between
the concepts showing patterns. They present an overview of the theory’s
thinking and may demonstrate how theory can be introduced into practice.
Conceptual framework. A conceptual framework is a group of related
ideas, statements, or concepts. It is often used interchangeably with
the conceptual model and with grand theories.
Proposition. Propositions are statements that describe the relationship
between the concepts.
Domain. The domain is the perspective or territory of a profession or
discipline.
Process. Processes are organized steps, changes, or functions intended to
bring about the desired result.
Paradigm. A paradigm refers to a pattern of shared understanding and
assumptions about reality and the world, worldview, or widely accepted
value system.
Metaparadigm. A metaparadigm is the most general statement of
discipline and functions as a framework in which the more restricted
structures of conceptual models develop. Much of the theoretical work in
nursing focused on articulating relationships among four major concepts:
person, environment, health, and nursing.
Environment
Health
Nursing
Phenomenon
Concepts
Definitions are used to convey the general meaning of the concepts of the
theory. Definitions can be theoretical or operational.
Relational Statements
Assumptions are accepted as truths and are based on values and beliefs. These
statements explain the nature of concepts, definitions, purpose, relationships,
and structure of a theory.
In Academic Discipline
Much of the earlier nursing programs identified the major concepts in one or
two nursing models, organized the concepts, and build an entire nursing
curriculum around the created framework. These models’ unique language
was typically introduced into program objectives, course objectives, course
descriptions, and clinical performance criteria. The purpose was to explain the
fundamental implications of the profession and enhance the profession’s
status.
In Research
By Abstraction
There are three major categories when classifying nursing theories based on
their level of abstraction: grand theory, middle-range theory, and practice-
level theory.
Grand Nursing Theories
In her book, Nursing Theorists and Their Work, Raile Alligood (2017)
categorized nursing theories into four headings: nursing philosophy, nursing
conceptual models, nursing theories and grand theories, and middle-range
nursing theories.
Nursing Philosophy. It is the most abstract type and sets forth
the meaning of nursing phenomena through analysis, reasoning,
and logical presentation. Works of Nightingale, Watson, Ray, and
Benner are categorized under this group.
Nursing Conceptual Models. These are comprehensive nursing
theories that are regarded by some as pioneers in nursing. These
theories address the nursing metaparadigm and explain the
relationship between them. Conceptual models of Levine, Rogers,
Roy, King, and Orem are under this group.
Grand Nursing Theories. Are works derived from nursing
philosophies, conceptual models, and other grand theories that
are generally not as specific as middle-range theories. Works of
Levine, Rogers, Orem, and King are some of the theories under
this category.
Middle-Range Theories. Are precise and answer specific nursing
practice questions. They address the specifics of nursing
situations within the model’s perspective or theory from which
they are derived. Examples of Middle-Range theories are that of
Mercer, Reed, Mishel, and Barker.
List of Nursing Theories and Theorists
You’ve learned from the previous sections the definition of nursing theory, its
significance in nursing, and its purpose in generating a nursing knowledge base. This
section will give you an overview and summary of the various published works in
nursing theory (in chronological order). Deep dive into learning about the theory by
clicking on the links provided for their biography and comprehensive review of their
work.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE
Philosophy of Caring
“Nursing is founded on caring for life, on neighborly love, […]At
the same time, the nurse must be professionally educated.”
Human beings are created and are beings for whom we may have
administrative responsibility.
Caring, solidarity, and moral practice are unavoidable realities.
KATIE ERIKSSON
Transitions Theory
It began with observations of experiences faced as people deal
with changes related to health, well-being, and the ability to care
for themselves.
Types of transitions include developmental, health and illness,
situational, and organizational.
Acknowledges the role of nurses as they help people go through
health/illness and life transitions.
Focuses on assisting nurses in facilitating patients’, families’, and
communities’ healthy transitions.
NOLA J. PENDER
Self-Transcendence Theory
Self-transcendence refers to the fluctuation of perceived
boundaries that extend the person (or self) beyond the immediate
and constricted views of self and the world (Reed, 1997).
Has three basic concepts: vulnerability, self-transcendence, and
well-being.
Gives insight into the developmental nature of humans associated
with health circumstances connected to nursing care.
CAROLYN L. WIENER AND MARYLIN J. DODD
Theory of Comfort
“Comfort is an antidote to the stressors inherent in health care
situations today, and when comfort is enhanced, patients and
families are strengthened for the tasks ahead. Also, nurses feel
more satisfied with the care they are giving.”
Patient comfort exists in three forms: relief, ease, and
transcendence. These comforts can occur in four contexts:
physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural.
As a patient’s comfort needs change, the nurse’s interventions
change, as well.
CHERYL TATANO BECK
Theory of Caring
“Caring is a nurturing way of relating to a valued other toward
whom one feels a personal sense of commitment and
responsibility.”
Defines nursing as informed caring for the well-being of others.
Offers a structure for improving up-to-date nursing practice,
education, and research while bringing the discipline to its
traditional values and caring-healing roots.
CORNELIA M. RULAND AND SHIRLEY M. MOORE