Theoretical

Foundations in
Nursing
NCM 1130
 What is NURSING?

 is the protection, promotion,

and optimization of health and
abilities, prevention of illness
and injury, alleviation of
suffering through the
diagnosis and treatment of
human response, and
advocacy in the care of
individuals, families,
communities, and populations.
(American Nurses
Association)

Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 3-2

 What is a PRINCIPLE?

 a fundamental truth or
proposition that serves
as the foundation for a
system of belief or
behavior or for a chain of
reasoning.
 a general scientific
theorem or law that has
numerous special
applications across a
wide field.

Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 3-3

 What are PROPOSITIONS?

 statements that explain the relationship

between the concepts.
 What is a PROCESS?

 a series of actions, changes or

functions intended to bring about a
desired result.
 What is a PHILOSOPHY?

- Knowledge level which specifies the definitions

of the metaparadigm concepts in each of the
conceptual models of nursing.
- Nightingale is considered philosophical
approach
- Out of these philosophies theory maybe
formalized
 What are CONCEPTS?

• vehicles of thought that involve

images. Are words that
describe objects, properties, or
events & are basic components
of theory.
 Types of CONCEPTS?

Empirical or Concrete Concepts

•(relying on, or derived from observation or experiment)
•These are directly observable objects, events, or properties,
which can be seen, felt or heard e.g color of the skin,
communication skill, presence of lesion, wound status etc.,
These are limited by time and space (it can be viewed/measured
only specific period & specific setting and variable).
 Types of CONCEPTS?

Inferential Concepts
•an idea or conclusion that's drawn from evidence
and reasoning; an educated guess
•are indirectly observable concepts, e.g pain,
Dyspnea and temperature.
 Types of CONCEPTS?

Abstract Concepts
•refers to the ability to analyze information, detect patterns and
relationships, and solve problems on a complex, intangible; being
able to formulate theories about the nature of objects and ideas
•not clearly observable directly or indirectly (known as “Non
-observable concepts directly”).E.g. social support, Personal
Role, Self-esteem etc.
 What is a THEORY?

 A set of concepts,
definitions, relationships,
and assumptions that
project a systematic view
of a phenomena
 It may consist of one or
more relatively specific
and concrete concepts
and propositions that
purport to account for, or
organize some
phenomenon (Barnum,
1988)

Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 3-11

 What is a THEORY?

1. Are a set of logically

interrelated concepts that
provide a systematic
explanatory and predictive
view of phenomena

2. Can begin as an untested

premise (hypothesis) that
becomes a theory when
tested and supported or can
progress in a more
inductive manner

Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 3-12

 What is a THEORY?

3. Are tested and validated

through research and
provide direction for this
research

Copyright 2004 by Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 3-13