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Statement of Intent
The intent of this chapter is to offer an approach to understanding nursing theory within the
context of the discipline of nursing, define the discipline of nursing and theory, describe the
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purpose of theory for the discipline of nursing, identify the structure of the discipline of nursing,
and speculate on the future of nursing theory.
Key Terms
Nursing
Nursing knowledge
Professional practice
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Community of scholars
Discipline
Theory
Paradigm
Framework
Philosophy
Worldviews
Metaparadigm
Conceptual model
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Grand theory
Nursing practice theory
Empirical indicators
Middle-range theory
Clinical scholarship
Domain
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Caring
Persons
Syntactical structure
Specialized language
Environment
Health
Conceptual structure
Tradition
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Values and beliefs Practice-level theory
Nursing process
Objectives
On completion of this chapter, students will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast definitions of nursing.
2. Describe the usefulness of theory to everyday practice.
Medconnoiseur
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3. Identify four phenomena of interest to nursing.
4. Name the primary purpose of nursing theory.
5. Describe characteristics of nursing as a discipline.
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6. Discuss the importance of conceptualizing nursing as a discipline of knowledge.
7. Compare and contrast definitions of nursing theory.
Outline
What Is Nursing? fid
Problems with Defining Nursing by Process, Functions, or Activities
The Discipline of Nursing
Expression of Human Imagination
Domain
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Syntactical and Conceptual Structures
Specialized Language and Symbols
Heritage of Literature and Networks of Communication
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Tradition
Values and Beliefs
Systems of Education
Definitions of Nursing Theory
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As a General Term
As an Organizing Structure
Definitions from Other Disciplines
Definitions Used in Nursing Practice, Education, Administration, or Research
The Purpose of Theory in a Professional Discipline
Structure
Medconnoiseur
, CFurther Development and Understanding of Nursing Practice
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The Structure of Knowledge in the Discipline of Nursing
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Paradigm
Grand Theories and Conceptual Models
Middle-Range Theories
Practice-Level Theories
Nursing Theory and the Future fid
Continuing Evolution of the Discipline of Nursing
Use in Education
Use in Health Care Organizations
Expanded Use of Theory
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Summary
References tia
Questions for Classroom Discussion
1. Before taking this class, what was your definition of nursing?
2. How does knowledge become “nursing knowledge”?
3. What does the term “language of nursing” mean to you? Identify practice examples in
l
which use of the “language of nursing” can be explicated.
4. What is your understanding of the statement “Nursing is a discipline”?
Multiple-Choice Questions
(Answers appear in bold)
1. Every discipline has a unique focus that directs inquiry and distinguishes it from other fields
of study.
Medconnoiseur
tia
en
fid
on
C
, C
Statement of Intent
The intent of this chapter is to offer an approach to understanding nursing theory within the
context of the discipline of nursing, define the discipline of nursing and theory, describe the
on
purpose of theory for the discipline of nursing, identify the structure of the discipline of nursing,
and speculate on the future of nursing theory.
Key Terms
Nursing
Nursing knowledge
Professional practice
fid
Community of scholars
Discipline
Theory
Paradigm
Framework
Philosophy
Worldviews
Metaparadigm
Conceptual model
en
Grand theory
Nursing practice theory
Empirical indicators
Middle-range theory
Clinical scholarship
Domain
tia
Caring
Persons
Syntactical structure
Specialized language
Environment
Health
Conceptual structure
Tradition
l
Values and beliefs Practice-level theory
Nursing process
Objectives
On completion of this chapter, students will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast definitions of nursing.
2. Describe the usefulness of theory to everyday practice.
Medconnoiseur
, C
3. Identify four phenomena of interest to nursing.
4. Name the primary purpose of nursing theory.
5. Describe characteristics of nursing as a discipline.
on
6. Discuss the importance of conceptualizing nursing as a discipline of knowledge.
7. Compare and contrast definitions of nursing theory.
Outline
What Is Nursing? fid
Problems with Defining Nursing by Process, Functions, or Activities
The Discipline of Nursing
Expression of Human Imagination
Domain
en
Syntactical and Conceptual Structures
Specialized Language and Symbols
Heritage of Literature and Networks of Communication
tia
Tradition
Values and Beliefs
Systems of Education
Definitions of Nursing Theory
l
As a General Term
As an Organizing Structure
Definitions from Other Disciplines
Definitions Used in Nursing Practice, Education, Administration, or Research
The Purpose of Theory in a Professional Discipline
Structure
Medconnoiseur
, CFurther Development and Understanding of Nursing Practice
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The Structure of Knowledge in the Discipline of Nursing
on
Paradigm
Grand Theories and Conceptual Models
Middle-Range Theories
Practice-Level Theories
Nursing Theory and the Future fid
Continuing Evolution of the Discipline of Nursing
Use in Education
Use in Health Care Organizations
Expanded Use of Theory
en
Summary
References tia
Questions for Classroom Discussion
1. Before taking this class, what was your definition of nursing?
2. How does knowledge become “nursing knowledge”?
3. What does the term “language of nursing” mean to you? Identify practice examples in
l
which use of the “language of nursing” can be explicated.
4. What is your understanding of the statement “Nursing is a discipline”?
Multiple-Choice Questions
(Answers appear in bold)
1. Every discipline has a unique focus that directs inquiry and distinguishes it from other fields
of study.
Medconnoiseur
