Mastering Theories of Nursing

By Ashlee C. Whitney

"Mastering Theories of Nursing: A Practical Approach to Evidence-Based Care" is an indispensable guide designed to empower nursing students, educators, and practicing professionals in understanding, applying, and integrating key nursing theories into everyday practice. This comprehensive resource offers a practical and accessible exploration of various nursing theories, providing a solid foundation for evidence-based care.

Within these pages, readers will discover a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The book demystifies complex nursing theories, offering clear explanations and practical insights into how each theory informs and shapes nursing practice. From Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory to contemporary models such as Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, this guide covers a spectrum of theories relevant to diverse healthcare settings.

Key Features:

Practical Application: Each theory is presented with a focus on its practical implications, illustrating how it can be applied to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Case Studies: Real-life case studies and scenarios provide a bridge between theory and practice, guiding readers in translating theoretical concepts into actionable strategies.

Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasis on evidence-based care ensures that readers can integrate the latest research findings into their nursing practice, promoting quality and effectiveness.

Student-Friendly: Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book serves as an ideal companion for nursing students navigating the complexities of nursing theory coursework.

"Mastering Theories of Nursing" is not just a textbook; it's a roadmap for excellence in nursing practice. Whether you are a student seeking a solid grasp of foundational theories or a seasoned professional looking to refine your theoretical understanding, this book is an invaluable resource for mastering the art and science of evidence-based nursing care.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Noah J. Hicks
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223681595

Book preview

Mastering Theories of Nursing:

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A Practical Approach to Evidence-Based Care

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By

Ashlee C. Whitney

DISCLAIMER

Copyright @ By Ashlee C. Whitney

2023. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

DISCLAIMER

Introduction

What are Nursing Theories?

Chapter 1

Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory

The Impact of The Environment on Patient Outcomes

Chapter 2

Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory

Nurse-Patient Relationships

Phases of the Nurse-Patient Relationship (Orientation, Identification, Exploitation, and Resolution)

Chapter 3

Virginia Henderson's Needs Theory

The Concept of Basic Human Needs

The Role of The Nurse in Assisting Patients to Meet Their Needs

Chapter 4

Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory

The Role of the Nurse in Promoting Self-Care

Chapter 5

Betty Neuman's Health Care Systems Model

The Impact of Stress on Health

The Nurse's Role in Helping Individuals Achieve Stability in Their Health

Chapter 6

Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring

The Importance of Caring in Nursing

Transpersonal Caring Relationships

Chapter 7

Madeleine Leininger's Cultural Care Theory

Cultural Competence in Nursing

The Impact of Culture on Health and Healthcare Practices

Chapter 8

Imogene King's Goal Attainment Theory

Goal-Setting in Nursing Care

Mutual Goal-Setting Between the Nurse and The Patient

Chapter 9

Callista Roy's Adaptation Model

The Concept of Adaptation in Health

The Nurse's Role in Helping Patients Adapt to Health Changes

Chapter 10

Patricia Benner's Novice to Expert Theory

The Development of Nursing Skills and Expertise

The Stages of Nursing Proficiency

Chapter 11

Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model

The Role of Nursing in Promoting Health

Factors Influencing Health-Promoting Behaviors

Chapter 12

Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model

The Adaptation Process

Nursing Interventions to Promote Adaptation

Chapter 13

Martha Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings

Unitary Human Beings and Their Environments

The Role of The Nurse in Promoting Harmony and Balance

Chapter 14

Katharine Kolcaba's Comfort Theory

The Nurse's Role in Providing Comfort

Chapter 15

Afaf Meleis' Transition Theory

Transitions in Health and Illness

The Nurse's Role in Facilitating Smooth Transitions

Introduction

What are Nursing Theories?

Nursing theories are organized bodies of knowledge to define what nursing is, what nurses do, and why they do it. Nursing theories provide a way to define nursing as a unique discipline that is separate from other disciplines (e.g., medicine). It is a framework of concepts and purposes intended to guide nursing practice at a more concrete and specific level.

Nursing, as a profession, is committed to recognizing its own unparalleled body of knowledge vital to nursing practice—nursing science. To distinguish this foundation of knowledge, nurses need to identify, develop, and understand concepts and theories in line with nursing. As a science, nursing is based on the theory of what nursing is, what nurses do, and why. Nursing is a unique discipline and is separate from medicine. It has its own body of knowledge on which delivery of care is based.

Defining Terms

The development of nursing theory demands an understanding of selected terminologies, definitions, and assumptions.

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.

Theories of nursing form the foundation for nursing practice, guiding nurses in their roles and responsibilities. These theories provide a framework for understanding and approaching patient care.

Chapter 1

Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory

Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory is a foundational concept in nursing that emphasizes the significance of the environment in patient care. Developed during the 19th century, Nightingale's theory revolutionized nursing practices and laid the groundwork for modern nursing. Here are key aspects of Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory:

Environmental Factors in Health:

Nightingale believed that the environment plays a crucial role in the well-being of individuals. A clean, well-ventilated, and aesthetically pleasing environment contributes to healing.

Ventilation and Fresh Air:

Nightingale stressed the importance of proper ventilation and access to fresh air in healthcare settings. She advocated for open windows and good airflow to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Lighting and Noise Control:

The theory highlights the significance of natural light and the control of noise in promoting a therapeutic environment. Adequate lighting and a quiet atmosphere were seen as essential for patient recovery.

Cleanliness and Sanitation:

Nightingale emphasized the need for cleanliness and sanitation in healthcare facilities. She introduced rigorous hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection and improve overall patient outcomes.

Provision of Nutritious Food:

The theory recognizes the importance of proper nutrition in supporting the healing process. Nightingale advocated for the provision of nutritious food to patients as part of holistic care.

Supportive Nursing Interventions:

Nurses, according to Nightingale, should actively manipulate the environment to promote healing. This involves arranging the patient's surroundings to create a therapeutic and supportive atmosphere.

Holistic Approach to Care:

Nightingale's theory adopts a holistic approach, considering the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the patient. She believed that addressing environmental factors is essential for holistic patient care.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Nightingale was a pioneer in the use of statistics and data to support her theories. She collected and analyzed data on patient outcomes, mortality rates, and environmental conditions to demonstrate the impact of the environment on health.

Educational Components:

Nightingale recognized the importance of education for both nurses and patients. She believed that educating nurses about the principles of hygiene and providing health education to patients were vital components of nursing care.

Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory marked a significant shift in nursing philosophy, emphasizing the importance of a clean and supportive environment in promoting health and healing. It laid the foundation for modern nursing practices and continues to influence nursing education and patient care today.

The Impact of The Environment on Patient Outcomes

The impact of the environment on patient outcomes is a critical aspect of healthcare and