Overview of theories Flashcards
It is the unique theories and perspectives used by a
discipline that distinguishes it from other disciplines.
Overview of Theory
Theories of a discipline
Clarify basic assumptions and values
Define the nature and purpose of
practice
A systematic explanation of an event in which constructs
and concepts are identified and relationships are
proposed and predictions made
Theory
A system of interrelated propositions used to predict,
explain, understand, and control a part of the empirical
world
Theory
Are composed of concepts, propositions, and laws; can
be communicated
Theories
Vary according to the number of elements,
characteristics and complexity of the elements, and type
of relationships among the elements
Theories
Are invented rather than discovered
Theories
a tentative suggestion that a
specific relationship exists between two concepts or
propositions.
hypothesis
Theory provides structure and organization for nursing
knowledge.
Theory in nursing
Theory provides systematic means of collecting data to
describe, explain, and predict phenomena of importance
to nursing.
Theory in nursing
Theories define and clarify nursing and distinguish it from
other caring professions.
Theory in Nursing
Identify certain standards for nursing practice
❖
Identify settings in which nursing practice should occur
and the characteristics of what the model’s author
considers recipients of nursing care
❖Identify distinctive nursing processes and technologies to
be used, including parameters for client assessment,
labels for client problems, a strategy for planning, a
typology of intervention, and criteria for evaluation of
intervention outcomes
Uses of Theory in Nursing #1
❖Direct the delivery of nursing services
❖Serve as the basis for clinical information systems,
including the admission database, nursing orders, care
plan, progress notes, and discharge summary
❖Guide the development of client classification systems
❖Direct quality assurance programs
Uses of Theory in Nursing #2
beliefs about phenomena that are
accepted as true
assumptions
abstract elements of a phenomenon necessary
to understand it
concept
complex concepts; comprises more than one
concept and built or “constructed” to fit a purpose
construct
specific and concrete identifiers of
concepts; method used to observe or measure the
concept(s)
empirical indicator
graphic or symbolic representation of a
phenomenon
model
organizing framework that contains concepts,
theories, assumptions, beliefs, values, and principles that
form the way a discipline interprets the subject matter
with which it is concerned
paradigm
a statement of beliefs and values about
human beings and their world
philosophy
indicate specific relationships
between two or more concepts; may be propositions,
hypotheses, laws, or theorems
relationship statements
o Nurses were trained in hospitals.
o Education was controlled by the hospital
and doctors.
o Education and practice were based on
tradition, rules, and principles and focused
on technical skills.
o Apprentice form of education
Silent knowledge stage (1870s–1940s)
o Serious nursing shortage
o Hill-Burton Act increased the need for nurses.
o Nursing for the Future published—promoted
nursing education in universities
Received knowledge stage (1945–1960)
o Testing for registration began.
o Nursing Research first published
o Books on nursing research and theory were
published.
o Slow growth of graduate education—nurses
questioning practice
Received knowledge stage (1945–1960)
