Nursing Science and Theory

Nursing Science

• A melting pot of different knowledge, creeds, and backgrounds of care and healing

• Collected and preserved since the dawn of time

Theory

• An organized system of accepted knowledge composed of CPAD

• CPAD: Concept, Proposition, Assumption, Definition

Nursing Theory

• A creative process and rigorous structuring of ideas

• Group of interrelated concepts developed from various studies and experiences

• Conceptualizes aspects of nursing to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe nursing care

Concepts

• Ideas formulated by the mind or experiences perceived and observed

• Examples: justice, love, war, disease

• Building blocks of theories, enhance understanding of phenomena

Propositions

• Explain relationships between different concepts

Definitions

• Composed of various descriptions conveying a general meaning

Assumptions

• Statements specifying the relationship or connection of factual concepts or phenomena

Types of Theories

• Descriptive Theories: Identify and describe major concepts but do not explain their relationships

• Explanatory Theories: Present relationships among concepts and propositions

• Predictive Theories: Describe future outcomes based on relationships of concepts

• Prescriptive Theories: Deal with nursing actions and test the validity of specific interventions

Theoretical Models and Frameworks

• Representation of ideas or knowledge based on personal understanding or perception

• Nursing Paradigms: Patterns or models showing relationships among existing theoretical works in nursing

Metaparadigm

• The highest level of knowledge in nursing

• Embodies the knowledge base, theory, philosophy, research, practice, and educational experience

Philosophy and Science

• Philosophy: Sets forth the meaning of phenomena through analysis, reasoning, and logical argument

• Science: Acquiring knowledge through observation, data gathering, hypothesis formation, experimental investigation, and conclusion

Nursing Knowledge and Research

Scientific Method

• System of acquiring knowledge in science

• Includes observation, data gathering, hypothesis formation, experimental investigation, and conclusion

Traditional Knowledge

• Passed down from generation to generation

• Always been practiced this way

Authoritative Knowledge

• Idea by a person of authority perceived as true due to expertise

Scientific Knowledge

• Derived from the scientific method

• Tested and measured systematically

Phenomenon

• Describes empirical data that can be physically observed or tangible

Nursing Theories and Quality of Care

• Developed to improve the quality of care

Types of Theories

• Grand Theories: Broad in scope and complex, assist research occasionally

• Middle Range Theories: Focus on the discovery of concepts

• Critical Theory: Describes how social structures influence human experiences

Theory-Generating Research

• Discover and describe relationships and phenomena without predetermined notions

Theory-Testing Research

• Determines how accurately a theory describes a phenomenon

Theoretical and Practical Knowledge

• Theoretical Knowledge: Stimulates thinking and broadens understanding of nursing science and practice

• Practical Knowledge: Gained through personal experience and practice

Forms of Knowing

• Empirical Knowing: Factual and descriptive knowing, focuses on evidence-based research

• Aesthetics or Esthetics Knowing: Understanding significance to patients, empathy

• Ethical Knowing: Knowledge of different philosophical positions regarding what is good and right

• Personal Knowing: Knowledge of self in relation to others, encompasses the Nurse-Client Relationship

Evidence-Based Practice

• Promotes quality care that has been proven effective and efficient

Influential Figures in Nursing

Florence Nightingale

• Practice: Environmental aspects as an integral part of nursing

• Education: Developed an excellent training system in London hospitals

• Research: Invented "polar diagrams" for data analysis

Hildegard Peplau

• Practice: Provided a clear design for psychiatric nursing

• Emphasized the development of interpersonal relationships between patients and nurses Main Ideas:

• Hildegard Peplau's contributions in education, research, and psychotherapeutic methods

• Virginia Henderson's focus on nursing practice, education, and research

• Betty Neuman's holistic approach to client care, education, and research

• Imogene King's impact on nursing practice, education, and research

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• Hildegard Peplau

  • Education: Author of "Interpersonal Relations in Nursing"

  • Education: Formulated effective psychotherapeutic methods

  • Research: Formulated concepts of anxiety as a means to constructively resolve angry feelings

• Virginia Henderson

  • Practice: Nurses as direct caregivers help patients become independent

  • Education: Nurse's education demands universal understanding of diverse human beings

  • Education: Designed three phases of curriculum development

  • Research: Recommended library research

  • Research: Advocated research as a way to improve practice

• Betty Neuman

  • Practice: Goal-directed, integrated, and holistic approach to client care

  • Practice: Neuman Nursing Process Format (Diagnosis, Goals, Outcomes)

  • Education: Holistic curriculum; effective framework in conceptual evolution among levels of nursing education

  • Research: Additional clarification and generation of testable nursing theories

  • Research: Guide Model to enhance the nursing care of clients with specific physiological stressors

• Imogene King

  • Practice: Utilized by professionals in most specialty areas

  • Practice: Developed the Goal Oriented Nursing Record (GONR) for recording goals and outcomes in patient settings

  • Education: Nursing curriculum development and practice application in Ohio state and other universities

  • Research: Her work served as a theoretical basis for various studies

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