Theoretical Foundation of Nursing

Concepts

fundamental to human understanding and communication; abstract ideas or general notions that represent classes of objects, events

Phenomena

an observable or occurrences

Scientific Phenomena

natural events/ processes that are observable and often studied

Cultural Phenomena

social, trends, and behaviors that are significant

Psychological Phenomena

observable mental behaviors

Natural Phenomena

events occurring in nature

Ideas

more specific, concrete

individual thoughts/ suggestions that arise from our mental processes

result of combining or manipulating concept (Innovative, Practical, Theoretical)

serve as the basis for problem-solving, creativity and decision making

Mental Images

visual/ sensory representations in the mind that reflect external objects or experiences

based on real experiences/ imaged scenarios

can vividly/vaguely and play a role in memory and imagination

Assumptions

describes concept

foundational statements that underpin the theoretical framework

given and not usually tested within research

Theory

a group of related concepts that propose actions that guides practice

Grand Theories, Mid-Range Theories, Nursing Practice Theories

Types of theories utilized in the TFN

Grand theories

broad perspective and applicable to all areas of the profession

The Roy Adaption Model by Callista Roy

Mid-Range Theories

focus narrowly on specific aspects of the profession

bridge the gap between Grand theories and Nursing theories

Novice to Expert Theory by Dr. Patricia Benners

Nursing Practice Theories

developed for use within specific nursing situations

focus om nursing interactions and the impact of nursing practice

Transcultural Theory by Madeleine Leininger

Metaparadigm

sets of concepts that sets forth the phenomena with which a discipline is concerned

Person

the recipient of nursing care, may include the family, friends and community

Health

one considers about being health, unhealthy another person

relative to the person and is defined according to the patient’s perspective

Nursing

related to the art and science of nursing

nursing actions/ interventions

Environment

consists of internal, external, and social that impacts a patient’s health

Genetics

immune function

culture

interpersonal

economics

mental state

geographic

educational level

politics

ecology

social status

job/career level

factors that can affect the patient’s health

Philosophy

The love of wisdom

study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when it is considered as an academic discipline

study of knowledge, thinking about thinking