NURSING THEORY

Nursing Theory

Nursing Theory

Introduction

In the first chapter “Introduction to Nursing Theory: Its History, Significance and Analysis” of the book “Nursing Theorists and Their Work” the authors Tomey and Alligood (2010) have examined nature and history of nursing. This chapter has explained in depth the theoretical journey that nursing has made and is still making. It also explored how our practice, research, education and theorising have been influenced both positively and negatively by nature from other disciplines.

Philosophical Underpinnings

The central focus of the profession of nursing is using the art and science of caring to improve the health of human beings within their environments. How Nightingale's meta-paradigm concepts (nursing, human being, health and environment) are defined can be divisive when a definition denies one or more of the ways in which we know and come to know as nurses (Calabria and Macrae, 1994). When understood through an integral perspective the meta-paradigm concepts are a powerful unifying core for the profession of nursing to translate amongst ourselves the importance of our work, conceptualised and carried out in so many different ways. Additionally, when conceptualized in the following manner, the metaparadigm concepts provide common ground for communicating between nursing theories grounded in divergent philosophical underpinnings. Nightingale (1859) probably never saw herself as a theorist, but by studying Notes on Nursing and the wealth of correspondence she has left us, we recognise with hindsight that she held strong views on health and nursing care. Applying the metaparadigm to her writings, nurse historians noted that she recognised the importance of the individual-environment relationship as a prerequisite for health. She is therefore credited with laying the foundations for nursing's development as a science (Tomey and Alligood, 2010).

From Nightingale to Newman, nurse theorists have emphasized the dynamic relationship between human beings and the environment. (Allen, 1975) In “Introduction to Nursing Theory: Its History, Significance and Analysis”, Nightingale described physical, social and spiritual conditions necessary for health. Therefore, prior to Nightingale's interest in reforming nursing, it has to be said that there already existed a differentiation between these occupations. This is probably not the type of differentiation Nightingale meant. She did not believe that doctors cured; rather that nature or a healthy environment was responsible for the curing.

Theory's Structure

The late twentieth century saw the publication of many Nightingale works, especially on her spirituality, comparative religion and theology, some for the first time, some republication or at least facsimile reproduction. There are new biographies in process, and children's books on her life have never been lacking. Nightingale theory is plentiful at history of nursing conferences (Allen, 1975). Critical, analytical work has been produced that is of high quality and much interest. Clearly there is a modest Nightingale industry in the scholarly world.

Nightingale had a poor opinion of the medical profession and sought a different role for women as nurses and midwives. That she succeeded in opening up professional work for women as nurses is of course recognized and applauded. But her pioneering practical work for women on ...