Chamberlain Nr501 Wk 2

1387 Words6 Pages
As nursing has progressed, theory has played a large role in defining the professional practice and identifying the standards to providing consistent, measurable practice among the profession. A basic definition of the term theory is given by Streubert & Carpenter (2011) as “a systematic explanation of an event in which constructs and concepts are identified and relationships are proposed and predictions made”. Nursing theories are the basic concepts that define nursing practice. It is why nurses do what we do. During any given shift, nurses are using several theories in ensuring that patients’ needs are being met and proper care is given to ensure the best possible outcomes. Generations ago nursing was not recognized as a profession, but as an occupation. Nurses were seen as an extension of physicians, performing redundant tasks as instructed. To gain the respect and recognition of a profession, it was important to demonstrate the characteristic of a profession. The characteristics are: 1, Specific knowledge base.\ 2. Control over training and education. 3. Altruistic service to society. 4. Credentialing or registration system. 5. Code of ethics. 6. Formal degreed training. 7. Lengthy socialization to the profession. 8. Autonomy. As a profession striving to demonstrate the above principles, it provides a credible example of the importance of documented theories from which to guide the profession. There is a trilogy of factors that are considered in the development of nursing theory: theory, research, and practice. While each may seem mutually exclusive to the others, theory development depends upon the relationship between each of these factors and can originate with any of the three. Theories are constructed to identify, understand or solve problems. There are four classifications of theories: Metatheory, Grand Theories,

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