What is a Nursing Theory.pdf - Carey Hagan

A nursing theory is a principle-based concept that guides decision-making when patient care is involved. Nursing theories assist nursing care. Some of these theories can help nurses gain insights that are applicable to improving patient care in both clinical settings and research endeavors. They also provide frameworks that guide research and offer structured concepts, serving as the foundation for understanding the purpose and methods behind nurse-patient relationships.

1. WHAT IS A NURSING THEORY

2. A nursing theory is a principle-based concept that guides decision-making
when patient care is involved. Nursing theories assist nursing care. Some of
these theories can help nurses gain insights that are applicable to improving
patient care in both clinical settings and research endeavors. They also provide
frameworks that guide research and offer structured concepts, serving as the
foundation for understanding the purpose and methods behind nurse-patient
relationships.
These theories are created by nursing researchers and academics while
working together with and under the guidance of other experts in the
discipline. Nursing theories also play a vital role in shaping both the current
practice and the future direction of the nursing field. Florence Nightingale
introduced the earliest nursing theory, known as the Environmental Theory, in
the 1800s. Nightingale recognized that factors in a patient's surroundings, like
access to clean water, exposure to sunlight, and fresh air, played a crucial role
in their recovery process.

3. Some of her research works continue to hold significance
even in the present day. As the healthcare system continues
to advance, emerging nursing theories could arise to align
with innovative treatments and technological progress.
Nurse researchers and academics share proven concepts to
promote consistent standards and optimal patient care
across the field, while nurse educators design their teaching
programs informed by this evidence.
There are various elements of nursing theories, and one of
them is person. The "person" element of nursing theory
focuses on the individual receiving care and the relationships
they have with others. It also considers the patient's religious
beliefs, social needs, and healthcare requirements. This
element suggests that having strong and encouraging
relationships with others can allow individuals to take
effective control of their health.

4. Another nursing element of nursing theory is the environment.
This has to do with the patient's external and internal
surroundings. It includes all factors that influence the individual's
overall health and quality of life. It involves the environment close
to a person, such as their family and the place where they receive
healthcare, and explains how these factors influence their well-
being.
Health is also another element that makes up the nursing theory. A
patient's health status shows the extent of their overall well-being
or physical condition. This element holds distinct implications for
each patient depending on their specific clinical context. It also
acknowledges the various dimensions of a patient's health, such as
their physical, social, spiritual, and emotional state.

5. In summary, nursing theories explain the roles of nurses
and the various reasons behind their actions. Nursing
theories also offer a structured approach that influences
the boundaries and methods of providing care to patients.
Without these theories, the concept of nursing wouldn't
have a clear direction, one that naturally centers on
patients and addresses their health concerns.

6. These theories can also be applied by doctors of
nursing to influence the design of care delivery
approaches in healthcare settings, ensuring they
align with various desired results. Grand theories
may provide a broad structure, but middle-range
and practice-oriented theories are essential for
managing particular groups of nurses or
addressing specific healthcare situations.
A practical instance is the Neuman Systems
model, which is named after the renowned
nursing theorist Betty Neuman. This theory is
based on the idea of addressing the patient as a
whole, grounded in the belief that a patient's
various needs can affect their overall well-being.