Overview
This lecture explains how nursing theories are developed, their philosophical foundations, and the main categories of nursing theories based on their scope and application.
Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Theory
- Rationalism values reasoning and logic, where theories are developed first and later tested in practice (top-down approach).
- Empiricism emphasizes gaining knowledge through observation and experience, forming theories after gathering data (bottom-up approach).
- Phenomenology focuses on understanding real-life experiences from the individual's perspective, using qualitative research.
- Constructivism asserts that people build their own understanding through personal experiences, beliefs, and culture.
- Realism believes that truth exists independently of perception, while post-positivism recognizes objective truth but admits human observation is imperfect.
Application of Philosophical Foundations in Nursing
- Rationalism example: Florence Nightingale theorized about hygiene before data confirmed her ideas.
- Empiricism example: Evidence-based practice, where research and data guide patient care.
- Phenomenology example: Understanding a patient's emotional and spiritual needs, not just physical symptoms.
- Constructivism example: Tailoring care and education to individual backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural experiences.
- Realism and Post-Positivism guide nurses to seek objective truth but remain aware of observational limits and biases.
Types of Nursing Theories by Scope
- Micro (Practice) Theories: Highly specific, offering step-by-step guidance for bedside care (e.g., pain management techniques).
- Middle-Range Theories: Address specific nursing topics, are evidence-based, and bridge practice and research (e.g., comfort theory).
- Grand Theories: Broad and abstract frameworks outlining the purpose and goals of nursing as a discipline (e.g., Watson's theory of human caring).
Integrating Philosophical Foundations and Theory Types
- Nurses blend logic, observation, critical thinking, and compassion to deliver holistic care.
- Carper’s Four Ways of Knowing: empirical (science), ethical (morals), personal (self-awareness), and aesthetic (art of nursing).
- Theories are tools selected according to purpose: bedside care, research focus, or educational philosophy.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Rationalism — Knowledge from reasoning and deduction.
- Empiricism — Knowledge from observation and experience.
- Phenomenology — Study of lived personal experiences.
- Constructivism — Knowledge constructed personally through experience and culture.
- Realism — Truth exists apart from perception.
- Post-Positivism — Seeks objective truth, acknowledging human error.
- Micro (Practice) Theory — Specific, actionable nursing guidelines.
- Middle-Range Theory — Focused, evidence-based frameworks bridging practice and research.
- Grand Theory — Broad, philosophical models guiding the nursing profession.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of micro, middle-range, and grand nursing theories.
- Reflect on how different philosophical foundations influence your approach to patient care.
- Prepare for discussion or homework on selecting appropriate theories for specific nursing scenarios.