The philosophical underpinnings of nursing theories

Full Answer Section

• Epistemology (Nature of Knowledge):
  • How do nurses come to know what they know? Is knowledge derived from empirical observation, rational reasoning, or subjective experience?
  • Some theories, like those rooted in positivism, emphasize empirical evidence and objective measurement. Others, like those influenced by phenomenology, prioritize subjective experience and interpretation.
• Ethics (Moral Principles):
  • Nursing theories often reflect ethical principles related to autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
  • For example, theories that emphasize patient autonomy, like those influenced by humanistic philosophy, prioritize patient self-determination.
• Humanism:
  • Many nursing theories are rooted in humanism, which emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
  • This philosophy informs nursing's focus on patient-centered care and holistic well-being.
• Systems Theory:
  • Many modern nursing theories use systems theory, to understand the interactions between individuals, their environment, and their health. This allows for a more holistic view of the patient.

Influence of Nursing Models and Theories on Research and Practice:

Nursing models and theories serve as frameworks that guide both research and practice:

• Research:
  • Theories provide a basis for formulating research questions, developing hypotheses, and selecting research methods.
  • They help researchers to identify relevant variables and to interpret research findings.
  • They also help researchers to develop and test new interventions.
• Practice:
  • Theories provide a conceptual framework for assessing patient needs, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes.
  • They help nurses to understand the complex interactions between patients, their environment, and their health.
  • They promote evidence-based practice by providing a basis for selecting and implementing effective interventions.
  • They give a standardized way to communicate about nursing practice.

Constructing a Nursing Theory: "The Theory of Adaptive Resilience"

Core Concepts:

• Adaptive Resilience: The dynamic process by which individuals, families, and communities adapt to and recover from stressors and challenges, maintaining or regaining optimal well-being.
• Stressors: Internal or external factors that disrupt homeostasis and challenge adaptive capacity.
• Adaptive Resources: Internal and external resources that facilitate resilience, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual resources.
• Well-being: A state of optimal physical, psychological, social, and spiritual functioning.
• Context: The social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence adaptive resilience.

Propositions:

• Individuals, families, and communities with greater access to adaptive resources will demonstrate higher levels of adaptive resilience.
• The impact of stressors on well-being is mediated by adaptive resilience.
• Nursing interventions that enhance adaptive resources will improve well-being.
• Contextual factors greatly influence the ability to adapt.

Application to Current Professional Nursing Practice:

• This theory aligns with the current emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care.
• It acknowledges the importance of social determinants of health and the need to address health disparities.
• It provides a framework for developing and implementing interventions that promote resilience and well-being across diverse populations.
• It encourages nurses to work with patients, to identify and strengthen their adaptive resources.
• It supports a preventative care model.
• This theory also supports the interprofessional nature of modern healthcare.

This theory emphasizes the dynamic and adaptive nature of human health, which is a core tenant of modern nursing practice.

Sample Answer

Let's delve into the philosophical underpinnings of nursing theories, their influence on research and practice, and then construct a theory reflecting current nursing practice.

Philosophical Underpinnings of Nursing Theories:

Nursing theories, at their core, are built upon fundamental philosophical beliefs about humanity, health, environment, and nursing itself. These beliefs shape the assumptions, concepts, and propositions within each theory.

• Ontology (Nature of Being):
  • Nursing theories grapple with the nature of the human being. Are humans holistic beings, comprised of mind, body, and spirit? Or are they primarily biological organisms?
  • Some theories, like Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, emphasize the spiritual and existential dimensions of human experience, while others, like Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory, focus on the biological and physiological aspects.