Nursing theories are structured frameworks that explain the different aspects of nursing. These nursing theories function as guidelines for nurses to understand their roles and improve patient care. It offers a way to think about nursing beyond the basic, bringing scientific and philosophical basis to nursing. Nursing theories are the ultimate tool kit that help nurses nail the balance between brains and compassion, ensuring that they are ready to tackle what comes their way!
Main Categories
Nursing theories fall under three main categories.
- Grand nursing theories
- Middle-range nursing theories
- Practice-level nursing theories
Grand nursing theories
Grand nursing theories are broad abstract concepts that aim to “why” and “how” of nursing. It offer general conceptualizations of nursing phenomena. Some of the examples are:
- Florence Nightingale environmental theory
- Virginia Henderson’s Need Theory
- Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory
- Betty Neuman’s Systems Model
- Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
- Imogene King’s Theory of Goal Attainment
- Martha Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings
Middle range nursing theories
Middle-range nursing theories target specific aspects of nursing practice. It acts as a bridge between theory and practice. They offer practical applications based on research and practice experience. Some of the examples are
- Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory
- Katharine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory
- Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model
- Merle Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory
- Ramona Mercer’s Maternal Role Attainment Theory
- Swanson’s Theory of Caring
- Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations
Practice level nursing theories
Practice level nursing theory is also known as micro level theories or situation specific theories. These theories guide nurses by providing practice solutions for everyday nursing challenges. Some of the examples are as follows:
- Theory of Wound Healing
- Theory of Chronic Sorrow (Georgene Gaskill Eakes, Mary Lermann Burke, and Margaret A. Hainsworth)
- Theory of Postpartum Depression
- Theory of Acute Pain Management
- End-of-Life Care Theory
- Theory of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL)
- Theory of Infection Control
Common examples of nursing theories
Some other popular and most common theories that provide a framework for nursing practice and guide the nurses on how to interact with their patients and provide better care.
Florence Nightingale Environmental Theory
During the Crimean war, Florence Nightingale developed environmental theory. This theory focusses on the patient’s environment and how it can affect the patients’ health. This theory emphasizes cleanliness, freshwater, direct sunlight, fresh water, and proper nutrition. Nightingale environmental theory highlighted how healthy environment can affect patients’ health and recovery.
Virginia Henderson’s Need Theory
This theory focused on patient basic needs and encourage patients’ independence during hospital time. The core idea of this theory is that nurses help patients gain independence and focus towards understanding patient’s holistic needs from physical to emotional such as breathing, eating, elimination movement etc.
Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory
This theory emphasizes patients’ autonomy and that nurses should help the patients if they are unable to take care of themselves. Nurses should provide care for the patients and help them gain their independence. The nurses should always encourage the patients to do as much as they can so they can guide them toward greater independence.
Jean Watson theory of human care
This theory highlights the importance of caring in nursing considering the patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Jean Watson theory of human care encourages the nurses to promote healing beyond physical needs.
Betty Neuman’s Systems Model
The core idea of this theory is that the patients are exposed to stressors that can affect their health. These stressors can be internal or external that affects the patients’ health. This model allows nurses to identify potential stressors and create care plans that aim at managing existing stressors of the patient.
Leininger’s Culture Care Theory
In the 1970s, cultural care theory was developed by Dr madeleine. This theory highlights the importance of “cultural care.” This theory focusses on the fact that culture profoundly influences health beliefs, practices, and outcomes.
Hildegard Peplau Theory of Interpersonal Relations
This theory emphasizes the importance of nurse-patient relationships, highlighting how relationships can influence the healing process. This modern theory encourages the nurses to invest time and create trust with patients rather than just following doctor’s orders.
Importance of application of nursing theories
The application of these theories is very important as it shapes the practice, research and education. The main advantages of applying these theories are as follows:
- Framework of care.
- Enhance patient care.
- Supporting evidence-based practice.
- Facilitate communication and patient education.
- Shaping nursing education.
- Skill development.
- Provides basis for the research.
- Fostering professional growth and career advancement.
- Promotes critical thinking.
Conclusion
Nursing theories play an essential role in guiding nurses to interact with their patients and provide care. With the help of these theories nurses can elevate their practice by providing holistic care for the patients. These theories also help the nurses to understand and navigate the complexities of healthcare. So that they can deliver the care that is empathetic, informed, and effective. If you are a travel nurse, sign up now with SkillGigs and become part of our travel nursing world, where you find jobs that fit your needs.
