In law, it is a rule that has to be or usually is to

INTRODUCTION
be followed, or can be desirably followed, or is
The history of the theory development in an inevitable consequence of something, such
nursing began with the writing of Florence as the laws observed in nature or the way that
Nightingale entitled “Notes in Nursing,” and it a system is constructed.
continues up until now. o Example: Ethical Principles
It was only until the second half of the 20th Principles: Justice, beneficence, non-
century when nurses saw the need to develop maleficence, accountability, fidelity, autonomy,
nursing knowledge through the theory and veracity.
development to the transition from vocational Justice is fairness.
to profession. o Nurses must be fair when they
distribute care, for example, among
WHAT IS A NURSING THEORY? the patients in the group of patients
that they are taking care of.
Nursing Theory is defined as a It is a proposition or value that is a guide for
conceptualization of some aspect of reality that behavior or evaluation.
pertains to nursing.
Nursing theories are reservoirs in which are WHAT IS THEORY?
stored those findings that are related to
nursing concepts.
The primary uses of the theory are to provide
insights about nursing practice situations and
to guide research.

WHAT IS NURSING SCIENCE?

The substantive, discipline-specific knowledge

that focuses on the human-universe-health
process articulated in the nursing frameworks
and theories (Parse, 2016). A set of statements that tentatively describe,
Its goal is to represent the nature of nursing— explain, or predict relationships among
to understand, explain and use it for the concepts that has been systematically
benefit of humankind. selected and organized as an abstract
representation of a certain phenomenon.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD (McEwen & Will, 2019).
It may consist of one or more relatively specific
Observation and concrete concepts and propositions that
Gathering Data purport to account for or organize some
Forming Hypothesis phenomenon (Barnum, 1988).
Experimental Investigation
Conclusion / Theoretical Explanation WHAT ARE T HE CONCEPTS OF THEORY?

WHAT IS NURSING PHILOSOPHY? Concepts are often called the building blocks
of theories.
The belief system or worldview of the Ideas and mental images that help to describe
profession and provides perspectives for phenomena (Alligood & Marriner-Tomey,
practice, scholarship and research. 2002).
A statement that declares a nurse’s beliefs, They are the primarily the vehicles of thought
values, and ethics, regarding their care and that involve images.
treatment of patients. Concepts may be abstract or concrete
Helps to establish the meaning of science o Examples: Noise, cleanliness,
through and understanding and examination of ventilation, bed and beddings, Warmth
nursing concepts, theories, laws and aims as in Nightingale, Environmental Theory
they relate to nursing practice. Are often called the building blocks of theories.
Ideas and mental images that help to describe
PRINCIPLES phenomena.
A principle is a proposition or value that is a Primarily the vehicles of thoughts that involve
guide for behavior or evaluation. images.
May be abstract or concrete
 DEFINITIONS ASSUMPTIONS

It conveys the general meaning of the These are the statements that describe
concepts in a manner that fits the theory. concepts or connect two concepts that are
NURSING THEORY: factual.
o EXPLAIN Example: Neuman’s system model the
o DESCRIBES assumptions include the following: patients are
o PREDICTS dynamic.
o PRESCRIBES NURSING CARE Statements that describe concepts or connect
An example in Newman theory, she defined two concepts that are factual.
stressor as any stimuli that can produce
tension and cause instability within the system. PHENOMENON

Aspect of reality that can be consciously

TWO TYPES
sensed or experienced.
A set of empirical data or experiences that can
THEORETICAL DEFINITION be physically observed or tangible.
Concepts that describe according to how these Example: Breastfeeding mothers, Individuals
concepts are defined in the dictionary or based infected with COVID-19 virus.
on the theorist perspective.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
Based on how these concepts are used or will
be used within the context of the phenomenon
being observed or experienced. CONCEPTUAL MODELS OF FRAMEWORK

PROPOSITION

Are representations of an idea or body of

A statement or assertion that expresses a knowledge based on the own understanding or
judgement or opinion. perception of a person or researcher on a
Something offered for consideration or certain topic, phenomena or theory.
acceptance. A conceptual framework can guide research
The terms “proposition” and “hypothesis” by providing a visual representation of
both refers to the formulation of a possible theoretical constructs (and variables) of
answer to a specific scientific question. interest.
The main difference between the two is that a Designing a conceptual model begins with
hypothesis must be testable and measurable, conducting a thorough review of the literature.
while a proposition deals with pure concepts. Begin to develop research questions or
For example, Watson’s theory and Neuman’s objectives based on theory.
theory relate to one another in the way that Conceptual models of nursing identify
patients need to be cared for because of concepts and describe their relationships to
stressful influences of society. the phenomenon of central concept to the
 discipline, person, environment, health, and SO HOW DO NURSES USE THEORY IN
nursing. EVERYDAY PRACTICE?
It can guide research by providing a visual
representation of theoretical constructs of Organize patient data
interest. Understand patient data
Begins with conducting a thorough review of Analyze patient data
the literature to develop research questions or Make decisions about nursing interventions
objectives based on theory. Plan patient care
Identify concepts and describe their Predict outcomes of care
relationships to the phenomenon of central Evaluate patient outcomes
concern to the discipline: person, environment,
health and nursing. COMMONLY USED NON-NURSING THEORY

Systems Theory
NURSING META-PARADIGM
Basic Human Needs Theory
Health & Wellness Models
Stress & Adaptation
Developmental Theories
Psychosocial Theories

“The systematic accumulation of knowledge is

essential to progress in any profession however theory
and practice must be constantly interactive. Theory
without practice is empty and practice without theory is
blind.” (Cross, 1981)

“The study and use of nursing theory in nursing

practice must have roots in the everyday practice of
nurses. (Gordon, Parker & Jester, 2001).”

WHAT ARE THE PURPOSE OF NURSING

THEORY?

It guides nursing practice and generates

knowledge
It helps or describe or explain nursing
Enables nurses to know WHY they are doing
what they are doing

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 idea and techniques
To envision potentialities (Gordon, Parker, &
Jester, 2001)
Can close the gap between theory and
research
To envision potentialities