Theories used in Nursing

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Theories used in Nursing

• By
• Cynthia Scriven, MSN

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What is a Theory?

• A theory is a set of inter-related concepts that
  are testable through a research process.
  Theoretical concepts provide direction or predict
  outcomes when applied to actual practice in a
  specific setting.

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Theory Formation
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Theories cont.

• In summary, theories are generated through
  consistent observations, research and practice.
• Theories, in nursing, are utilized on a daily
  basis to assist practitioners to comprehend and
  to explain the basis for the nursing care they
  administer to their clients.
• A theory has its own unique concepts,
  vocabulary, and terminology.

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Conceptual Models in Nursing

• There are numerous conceptual models that exist
  within the nursing profession. Each of these
  models has its own theoretical concepts and
  vocabulary. It takes time and effort to
  comprehend and apply a conceptual model to
  clinical practice. ( Please refer to Wilkinson
  text for reading.)

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Examples ofTheories of Caring

• The nurses role is to express hope for healing
  of the body the spirit as well
• The nurse must cultivate personal skills of
  sensitivity so that growth healing occur in
  nurse/client r/s

• Jean Watson
• Known for seven carative principles, that are
  based on humanism/al-truism,faith/ hope and
  sensitivity
• The nurse is a developed humanist

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Theories of Caring cont.

• Madeleine Leininger(1991)
• Theory of Cultural Care Diversity and
  Universality
• The basis of her theory is the belief that across
  cultures there are health care practices and
  beliefs that vary(diversity)and that are
  similar(universality)
• A nurse must have an understanding of the
  clients culture in order to give carebe
  culturally competentand avoid cultural
  impositions.

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Non-Nursing Theories

• Nursing curricula also incorporate theories from
  non-nursing domains, such as the social sciences
  and humanities.
• Study, comprehension, and application of these
  theories enhance the holistic expression of the
  art of nursing.
• Lets take a look at two examples.

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Examples of Non-Nursing Theories

• Erik Erikson
• Stages of Psychosocial Development
• Provides a chronological overview of normal human
  maturational tasks which enhances our
  understanding of our clients

• Abraham Maslow
• Human Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid
• Assists nurses with priority-setting of care for
  their clients,ie,meeting basic physiologic needs
  before growth needs(metaneeds)

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Why do we study theories?

• Theories are derived from the scientific method,
  a sequential research process. The research
  process assists us to define the presenting
  problem, gather pertinent information for the
  solution, discriminate between subjective and
  objective data, and recognize the difference
  between fact and assumptions...

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Critical ThinkingSound Decision Making

• IMAGINE IF, as nurses, we all decided to
  individually do what we think was best to resolve
  our clients problems?
• It is quite clear that the research process and
  the utilization of theories establish the
  foundation of the science of nursing practice,
  thereby guiding us to identify a plan of action
  to resolve our clients problems that is
  scientifically-based.

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Summary of Points

• In order to care for our clients holistically and
  scientifically,it is our responsibility to
  utilize theories in both nursing and non-nursing
  domains.
• It is also our responsibility to maintain an
  awareness of ongoing research in the nursing
  domain via the www, journals, professional
  development conferences and nursing organizations.