1.
Provides a Framework for Decision-Making
Theoretical models guide nurses in their clinical decision-making, helping
them approach patient care systematically.
Example: Using Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, nurses assess a
patient’s ability to perform self-care activities and provide assistance or
education where deficits are identified.
2. Enhances Quality of Patient Care
Theory-based practice helps ensure that nursing interventions are evidence-
based and consistent, leading to higher quality care.
Example: Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasizes the importance
of holistic care, encouraging nurses to consider not just the physical but also
emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient.
3. Promotes Professionalism and Accountability
Nursing theories provide a professional identity by defining what nursing
is, differentiating it from other health professions.
Example: Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory focuses on the
nurse's role in creating an environment that promotes healing, which
reinforces the professional duty to optimize patient surroundings.
4. Guides Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Nursing theories guide research, providing a foundation for developing new
knowledge and improving practice.
Example: Roy’s Adaptation Model is often used in research studies to
explore how patients adapt to illness or injury, leading to interventions that
enhance adaptive responses.
5. Facilitates Communication and Collaboration
A shared theoretical framework helps nurses communicate more effectively
with colleagues and other healthcare professionals, promoting team
collaboration.
Example: Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory highlights the
importance of communication between nurse and patient, encouraging
therapeutic interactions that improve patient outcomes.
6. Supports Education and Professional Development
Nursing theories are foundational to nursing education, helping students
learn the core concepts of nursing practice.
Example: Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory is used in nursing education
to help students understand the stages of competency they will progress
through as they gain experience in clinical practice.
7. Helps Address Complex Healthcare Challenges
Theories provide frameworks that are adaptable to address complex patient
needs and healthcare environments.
Example: Neuman’s Systems Model helps nurses assess patients
holistically, considering physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and
environmental stressors when developing care plans for patients with
complex conditions.
8. Enhances Patient-Centered Care
Theories ensure that care is tailored to the individual patient rather than a
one-size-fits-all approach, promoting individualized care.
Example: Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory guides nurses in
delivering culturally sensitive care by considering a patient's cultural
background and preferences in care delivery.
9. Encourages Critical Thinking and Reflection
Theories encourage nurses to think critically and reflect on their practice,
improving patient care and fostering lifelong learning.
Example: Critical Social Theory in Nursing helps nurses critically
examine the social, political, and economic structures influencing patient
care, ensuring equitable and just care delivery.
10. Influences Health Policy and Advocacy
Nursing theories provide insight into patient care outcomes and population
health, guiding nurses in advocating for policies that improve healthcare
delivery.
Example: Pender’s Health Promotion Model supports health promotion
strategies and public health policies that encourage wellness and disease
prevention, influencing health policy at a broader level.
References:
Alligood, M. R. (2017). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO:
Elsevier.
This book offers comprehensive coverage of nursing theories, including those
mentioned, such as Orem, Watson, and Peplau.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2018). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.
This textbook provides detailed discussions on nursing theories and their
application in practice, research, and education.
Orem, D. E. (2001). Nursing: Concepts of Practice (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is well-documented in this book,
which provides a foundation for nursing care based on self-care concepts.
Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring (Rev. ed.).
Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado.
This is an essential reference for understanding Watson’s Theory of Human
Caring.
Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing
Practice. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.
Benner’s work on skill acquisition in nursing is frequently referenced for
understanding professional development in nursing practice.
Leininger, M. (1991). Culture Care Diversity and Universality: A Theory of Nursing.
New York: National League for Nursing Press.
Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory is well-covered in this text, with
applications for culturally competent nursing care.
Pender, N. J. (2011). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (6th ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson.
Pender’s Health Promotion Model is frequently cited in health promotion and
patient education literature.
