Foundations of Nursing: Key Terms and Concepts (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, definitions, and concepts from the Foundations of Nursing notes (LOs 1.x to 1.5 and related sections).

Nursing Metaparadigm

Global concepts that identify central phenomena in nursing and explain the relationships among concepts (person, environment, health, nursing).

Nursing Philosophy

A statement about the beliefs and values of nursing in relation to a phenomenon.

Conceptual Framework / Model

Interrelated concepts that provide direction for nursing practice, research, and education.

Nursing Theory

Group of concepts that can be tested in practice and derived from a conceptual model.

Grand Theory

A global conceptual framework that defines broad perspectives for nursing practice.

Middle-Range Theory

A more concrete, narrowly focused theory on a specific condition or population.

Florence Nightingale

Founder of modern nursing; promoted care of the sick, epidemiology, and nursing as a profession; emphasized education.

Dorothea Dix

Civil War nurse leader; head of the U.S. Sanitary Commission and the Army Nurse Corps.

Clara Barton

Established the American Red Cross.

Linda Richards

America’s first trained nurse.

Lena Higbee

Superintendent of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps; Navy Cross in 1918.

Nightingale’s influence on epidemiology

Nightingale’s work helped shape epidemiology and emphasized sanitation as a public health measure.

Nursing Roles

Care provider; Educator; Advocate; Leader; Change agent; Manager; Researcher; Collaborator; Delegator.

Peplau (Interpersonal Process)

Nurse-patient relationship as a core mechanism of nursing care.

Henderson (Assisting Independence)

Nurses assist patients toward independence and self-care.

Rogers (Science of Unitary Beings)

Nursing theory focusing on the unitary, evolving person and environment.

Roy (Adaptation Model)

Nursing framework centered on adapting to changes in health and environment.

Orem (Self-Care Deficit)

Theory focusing on patients’ self-care abilities and deficits.

King (General Systems Framework)

Nursing theory emphasizing goal attainment via interaction and systems concepts.

Neuman (Systems Model)

Model focusing on stressors and the lines of defense in a system (person) and environment.

Parse (Human Becoming)

Theory describing ongoing human becoming and meaning in life experiences.

Watson (Transpersonal Caring)

Nursing theory emphasizing caring as central to healing.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Five levels of needs that influence health: Physiologic, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization.

Erikson (Psychosocial Theory)

Developmental theory describing psychosocial stages across the lifespan.

Lewin’s Change Theory

Three-step process: Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing for change.

Paul’s Critical Thinking Theory

Nurses analyze data, develop, implement, and evaluate a care plan.

Rosenstock (Health Belief Model)

Model predicting health behaviors based on perceived threat, benefits, barriers, and cues to action.

Altruism

Selfless concern for the welfare of others; a core professional value.

Body of Knowledge and Research

Foundational science and ongoing inquiry guiding nursing practice.

Accountability

Responsibility for professional actions and outcomes.

Autonomy

Ability to act independently and make independent professional decisions within scope.

Code of Ethics (Nursing)

Moral principles guiding professional conduct for nurses.

Standards of Practice

Guidelines outlining professional responsibilities and performance standards.

Nurse Practice Acts

Laws defining scope of nursing practice and licensing requirements.

ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses

Official ethical code outlining duties and obligations of nurses.

NLN Core Competencies (Human Flourishing)

Competency focused on enabling patients’ growth and well-being.

NLN Core Competencies (Nursing Judgment)

Ability to reason, assess, and make clinical decisions.

NLN Core Competencies (Professional Identity)

Development of a professional self-concept as a nurse.

NLN Core Competencies (Spirit of Inquiry)

Curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning and improvement.

Accrediting Bodies (CCNE)

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; accredits baccalaureate and higher programs.

Accrediting Bodies (ACEN)

Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accrediting Bodies (CNEA)

NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.

LPN / LVN

Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse; entry-level nursing role.

ADN

Associate Degree in Nursing.

BSN

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

MSN

Master of Science in Nursing.

APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (e.g., NP, CNS, CNM, CNV).

DNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice.

PhD (Nursing)

Doctor of Philosophy with a research focus in nursing.

QSEN

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses; aims to improve patient safety and care quality.

National Patient Safety Goals

Goals established to improve patient safety outcomes.

NSNA

National Student Nurses Association; supports students in nursing.

Interprofessional Team (RN lead)

Team-based care where the Registered Nurse leads coordinating patient care with other health professionals.

Radiologic Technologist

Imaging professional who positions patients and performs diagnostic imaging.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Specialist evaluating and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders.