Discussion Question 1: Development of Nursing Theory

 

 

 

Discussion Question 1: Development of Nursing Theory

 

 

 

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Discussion Question 1: Development of Nursing Theory

Theories can be defined as a set of related concepts which provide a systematic view of a given phenomenon that is predictive and explanatory in nature. The process of theory building thus refers to the series of systematic and continuous steps taken to come up with the interrelated concepts which bring about the desired result (Hoeck & Delmar, 2018). The development of nursing theory aims at describing, predicting, and explaining the phenomenon of nursing. Nursing theory is intended to provide the foundation for nursing practice to help generate further skills and knowledge indicating the direction in which nursing should take in the future. Nursing theories help clinicians decide on what they know and what they need to know. The purpose of this discussion is to illustrate the process of nursing theory development and its impact on nursing practice.

The first nursing theory was developed in the 1800s  during which strong emphasis was put on nursing education. Florence Nightingale developed the “Environmental Theory” in 1960 defining nursing as “the act of utilizing the patient’s environment to assist him in his recovery” (Wijaya et al., 2022). The development of this theory was promoted by the nursing metaparadigms which comprise four main concepts including the person, environment, health, and nursing. Each of the four concepts plays a significant role in nursing practice and is essential in the process of care delivery. The metaparadigm of the person mainly focuses on the patient as the recipient of care. The metaparadigm environment involves both the internal and external factors affecting the patient’s well-being and recovery process. The metaparadigm of health involves promoting the quality and well-being of the patient whereas the metaparadigm of nursing encompasses all three concepts in promoting knowledge and skills through education to promote the nursing profession.

Ever since the development of the original metaparadigm concept, nurses have been able to clearly understand their profession as a holistic one that encompasses the person, the environment, and nursing in promoting quality healthcare services. As more nurses are being prepared at the DNP and Ph.D. levels, they have a great chance of conducting research and implementing the new evidence-based practice. In preparation for such specialized levels of the profession such as the DNP, the metaparadigm concept has led to the development and utilization of the middle range theories, which are more specific to the patient problem as they are investigative in guiding the work of the specialist (Roy, 2018). With the DNP’s specialized knowledge, they can influence evidence-based practice or change at the community, national, state, and even global levels. The significant influence of nursing theory translating into clinical practice is evident in the national nursing conference program, available on medical organizations’ websites. For example, when caring for patients with acne, the NPs can advance their knowledge and experience and enroll in DNP nursing studies focusing on research and quality improvement projects.

To guide my DNP project, I will utilize the middle range theory which is more focused and offers a basis for handling complex situations by creating a more concrete connection between nursing practice and Grand Nursing theories (Chinn et al., 2021). They are also less abstract and more verifiable through testing. Middle-range theory helps specialists describe, predict and explain certain phenomena in clinical practice. For instance, June Larrabee’s theoretical model of quality provides a framework for understanding the quality of healthcare with the incorporation of ethical and economic concepts such as justice, prudence, beneficence, and value essential in promoting DNP practice.

 

 

References

Chinn, P. L., Kramer, M. K., & Sitzman, K. (2021). Knowledge Development in Nursing E-Book: Theory and Process. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Hoeck, B., & Delmar, C. (2018). Theoretical development in the context of nursing—The hidden epistemology of nursing theory. Nursing Philosophy, 19(1), e12196.

Roy, C. (2018). Key issues in nursing theory: Developments, challenges, and future directions. Nursing Research, 67(2), 81-92. DOI: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000266

Wijaya, Y. A., Yudhawati, N. L. P. S., & Ilmy, S. K. (2022). Development of Nursing Concept and Theory Model: Differences and Identification of Nursing Theory Group Between Theory, Grand Theories, Middle Range Theory, and Nursing Practice Theory. DOI: