Chapter 13: Nursing Theory: The Basis for Professional Nursing

Bonnie M. Wivell, MS, RN, CNS

Nursing Theory
Latin a viewing; Greek contemplating

A body of knowledge shaped by how

nurses see the world A group of related concepts, definitions & statements that propose a view of nursing phenomena from which to describe, explain or predict outcomes Abstract ideas

Why is Theory Important?

Nursing is strengthened when knowledge

is built on sound theory Criteria to be a profession: distinct body of knowledge as the basis for practice Nursing must be viewed as a scholarly academic discipline hat contributes to society Ultimate goal is to support excellence in practice

Theory Guides the Professional Nurse in.

Organizing and analyzing patient data

Understanding connections between

pieces of data Discriminating between important and less pertinent data Making sound clinical judgments based on evidence Planning effective nursing interventions Predicting and evaluating outcomes of interventions

Definition of Terms
Metaparadigm = the major concepts or abstract

ideas of the discipline; most important to practice and research

Person Environment Health Nursing

Philosophy = a set of beliefs about the nature of

how things work and how the world should be viewed; begins to put together some or all concepts of the metaparadigm

Definition of Terms Contd.

Conceptual Model or Framework = a

more specific organization of nursing phenomena than philosophies; provide an organizational structure that makes clearer connections between concepts Propositions = statements that describe linkages between concepts and are more prescriptive; they propose an outcome that is testable in practice and research

Florence Nightingale
Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not

(1969, originally published in 1859)

Her philosophy of health, illness, and the nurses role in

caring for patients

Focused on the relationship of patients to their

surroundings Importance of observing the patient and recording information Importance of cleanliness Health and recovery from illness is related to environment