Theoretical foundations of nursing
practice
Nursing theory
A body of knowledge which has shaped how nurses see the world
A group of related concepts, definitions and statements that propose phenomena
from which to describe, explain or predict outcomes
Why is theory important?
Nursing is strengthened when knowledge is built on sound theory
For nursing to be a profession it is required to be based on a distinct body of
knowledge as the basis of practice
Nursing must be viewed as a scholarly academic discipline that contributes to society
and which always has theories being thought up
The ultimate goal is to support excellence in practice
Theories allow us to
organise and to analyse patient data
understand connections between pieces of data
discriminate between important and less pertinent data
make sound clinical judgements based on evidence
plan effective nursing interventions (that are based on evidence)
predict and evaluate outcomes of the interventions
Theories allow a framework of thought which provides structure for organisation,
analysis and decision making
Theories are necessary for the continued development of nursing as a profession
Theories will change/be added as nursing adapts to societal needs
practice
Nursing theory
A body of knowledge which has shaped how nurses see the world
A group of related concepts, definitions and statements that propose phenomena
from which to describe, explain or predict outcomes
Why is theory important?
Nursing is strengthened when knowledge is built on sound theory
For nursing to be a profession it is required to be based on a distinct body of
knowledge as the basis of practice
Nursing must be viewed as a scholarly academic discipline that contributes to society
and which always has theories being thought up
The ultimate goal is to support excellence in practice
Theories allow us to
organise and to analyse patient data
understand connections between pieces of data
discriminate between important and less pertinent data
make sound clinical judgements based on evidence
plan effective nursing interventions (that are based on evidence)
predict and evaluate outcomes of the interventions
Theories allow a framework of thought which provides structure for organisation,
analysis and decision making
Theories are necessary for the continued development of nursing as a profession
Theories will change/be added as nursing adapts to societal needs
