OVERVIEW

&IMPORTANCE OF
NURSING THEORY
Presented by:- Miss Amarveer Kaur
Ph.D In Nursing
Desh Bhaghat University, Punjab
 INTRODUCTION OF THEORY
• It is the unique theories and perspectives used by a discipline that
distinguishes it from other disciplines.
• Theories of a discipline
o Clarify basic assumptions and values.
o Define the nature and purpose of practice
 DEFINATION OF THEORY

• A systematic explanation of an event in

which constructs and concepts are identified
and relationships are proposed and
predictions made
• A system of interrelated propositions used to
predict, explain, understand, and control a
part of the empirical world.
 THEORY IN NURSING
• Theory provides structure and organization for nursing
knowledge.
• Theory provides systematic means of collecting data to
describe, explain, and predict phenomena of
importance to nursing.
• Theories define and clarify nursing and distinguish it
from other caring professions.
 Terms Used in Theory
• Assumptions—beliefs about phenomena that are accepted as
true
• Concept—abstract elements of a phenomenon necessary to
understand it
• Construct—complex concepts; comprises more than one
concept and built or “constructed” to fit a purpose
• Empirical indicator—specific and concrete identifiers of
concepts; method used to observe or measure the concept(s)
Conti.
• Hypotheses—tentative suggestions that a specific
relationship exists between two concepts or propositions
• Model—graphic or symbolic representation of a phenomenon
• Paradigm—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
Conti

• Philosophy—a statement of beliefs and

values about human beings and their world
• Relationship statements—indicate specific
relationships between two or more concepts;
may be propositions, hypotheses, laws, or
theorems.
Uses of Theory in Nursing
• Identify standards of practice
• Identify settings for practice
• Identify distinctive nursing processes to be used
• Direct the delivery of nursing interventions
• Serve as the basis for clinical information systems
• Direct quality improvement programs
• Theory enhance communication
PURPOSE OF NURSING THEORY

• It guide nursing practice and generates

knowledge.
• It helps to describe or explain nursing.
• Enables nurses to know WHY they are
doing WHAT they are doing.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A THEORY
• Systematic, logical and coherent
• Creative structuring of ideas mental images of one’s experiences and create
different ways of looking at a particular event or object.
• Tentative in nature ( change over time or evolving but some remain valid despite
passage of time)
• Interrelated concepts in such a way as to create a different way of looking at a
particular phenomenon.
• Are logical in nature.
CONTI…
• Are generalizable.
• Are the bases for hypotheses that can be tested.
• Increase the general body of knowledge within the discipline through
the research implemented to validate them.
• Are used by the practitioners to guide and improve their practice. Are
consistent with other validated theories, laws, and Principles but will
leave open unanswered questions that need to be investigated.
IMPORTANCE OF NURSING THEORY
 Nursing theory aims to describe, predict and explain the
phenomenon of nursing (Chinn and Jacobs 1978).
It provides the foundations of nursing practice, help to
generate further knowledge and indicate in which direction
nursing should develop in the future (Brown 1964).
Theory important because it helps us to decide what we
know and what we need to know (Parsons1949).
CONTI…
It helps to distinguish what should form the basis of
practice by explicitly describing nursing.
This can be seen as an attempt by the nursing profession to
maintain its professional boundaries.
 WHY DO WE STUDY NURSING
THEORY?
• Everyday practice enriches theory
• Both practice and theory are guided by values and beliefs
• Theory helps to reframe our thinking about nursing
• Theory guides use of ideas and techniques
• Theory can close the gap between theory and research
• To envision potentialities
HOW DO NURSES USE THEORY IN
EVERYDAY PRACTICE?
 Organize patient data

Understand patient data

Analyse patient data

Make decisions about nursing interventions

Plan patient care

Predict outcomes of care

Evaluate patient outcomes

Current Trend Influence Nursing
Theory
• Medical science
• Nursing education
• Professional nursing organizations
• Evolving research approaches
• Global concerns
• Consumer demands
• Technologies
CRITICISMS OF NURSING
THEORY
• Nursing theory is generally neglected on the wards.
• A nursing theory should have the characteristics of accessibility and
clarity.
• It is important that the language used in the development of nursing
theory be used consistently.
• Many nurses have not had the training or experience to deal with the
abstract concepts presented by nursing theory.
• Majority of nurses fail to understand and apply theory to practice