NUR 101 Week 1 Nursing Concepts and Theories

Flashcards covering core introductory concepts, regulatory organizations, professional ethics, QSEN competencies, and foundational nursing theories from NUR 101 Week 1.

Florence Nightingale

Historical nursing figure recognized as the first to use data and create the first nursing educational program, emphasizing hygiene, cleanliness, documentation, research, and a clean environment.

Magnet Recognition Program

Program awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals demonstrating nursing excellence, which improves staff retention, elevates standards of patient care, safety, and satisfaction, and fosters a collaborative culture.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

The organization responsible for awarding Magnet status to hospitals demonstrating excellence in nursing practice and patient outcomes.

Nurse Practice Act (NPA)

State law that legally defines nurses' scope of practice and grants authority to regulate nursing practice and enforce laws.

Board of Nursing (BON)

State regulatory agency established by state law responsible for nurse licensure, enforcing nursing laws, and developing detailed Standards of Practice.

Standards of Practice

Detailed descriptions developed by the Board of Nursing defining what a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) is authorized and required to do.

National League for Nursing (NLN)

Organization dedicated to nursing educators and leaders in nursing education that provides accreditation and development for nursing faculty and programs.

American Nurses Association (ANA)

Professional organization representing the interests of nurses and advancing the profession through ethical standards, advocacy, supporting high practice standards, and creating the Nurse's Code of Ethics.

Nurse's Code of Ethics

A nonnegotiable moral standard of nursing practice established and periodically revised by the ANA (containing 10 main provisions updated in 2025) to guide nurses in ethical decision-making.

QSEN

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses; an initiative establishing competencies (Patient-Centered Care, Teamwork and Collaboration, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, Safety, and Informatics) to guide nursing education and care delivery.

Assumptions (Theory Component)

Ideas or principles within a theoretical framework that are taken for granted as true without proof.

Phenomena (Theory Component)

Observable and experienced aspects of reality that form the domain of interest for a theory.

Concepts (Theory Component)

Mental images or representations of a phenomenon used to categorize, organize, and draw distinctions or similarities among ideas and observations.

Statements (Theory Component)

Theoretical propositions that systematically describe the linkages, interactions, and relationships among concepts.

Four Metaparadigm Concepts of Nursing Theory

The four core phenomena of concern that any comprehensive nursing theory defines and links together: person, nurse, health, and environment.

Patricia Benner

Nursing theorist who developed the 'Novice to Expert' model (1982) describing the five stages of clinical competence acquisition in nursing.

Novice to Expert Model

A theoretical framework by Patricia Benner outlining the progression of a nurse from novice (student stage) to advanced beginner, competent (2-3 years), proficient, and expert (intuitive grasp of complex situations).

Jean Watson

Nursing theorist who developed the Theory of Human Caring (1979) emphasizing holistic care of mind, body, and spirit and authentic human connection.

Theory of Human Caring

A theoretical framework by Jean Watson centered on holistic nursing, authentic presence, intentionality, and 10 Carative Processes to restore energy, potentiate capabilities, and improve patient outcomes.

10 Carative Processes

Ten caring guides developed by Jean Watson including practicing loving kindness, instilling faith and hope, nurturing individual beliefs, establishing trusting relationships, promoting authentic presence, and creating a healing environment.