The philosophical underpinnings of nursing theories

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• • Current nursing practice is moving toward a blend of both, acknowledging the importance of evidence-based practice alongside patient narratives.
• Ethics (Moral Principles):
  • Nursing theories often reflect ethical principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
  • Contemporary theories are addressing ethical challenges related to technology, health disparities, and end-of-life care.
• Humanism:
  • The inherent worth and dignity of individuals are central to nursing. This informs patient-centered care and the emphasis on empathy and compassion.
• Systems Theory:
  • Viewing individuals as part of complex systems (families, communities) allows for a holistic understanding of health and illness. This is very important in community and public health nursing.

Influence of Nursing Models and Theories on Research and Practice:

Nursing theories serve as essential frameworks that guide both research and clinical practice.

• Research:
  • Theories provide a structure for formulating research questions, developing hypotheses, and selecting appropriate methodologies.
  • They guide the interpretation of findings and contribute to the development of evidence-based practice.
  • They allow for the testing of nursing interventions.
• Practice:
  • Theories offer a conceptual lens for assessing patient needs, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes.
  • They enhance critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
  • They promote a standardized approach to nursing care, improving communication and consistency.
  • They provide a basis for advocacy.

Constructing a Nursing Theory: "The Theory of Relational Empowerment in Health Promotion"

Core Concepts:

• Relational Empowerment: The dynamic process of co-creating health through reciprocal relationships between nurses and individuals, families, and communities.
• Co-Creation of Health: Recognizing that health is not solely an individual responsibility but a collaborative endeavor.
• Contextual Vulnerability: The social, economic, and environmental factors that increase susceptibility to health disparities.
• Resource Mobilization: The process of identifying and leveraging internal and external resources to promote health.
• Narrative Integration: The use of patient narratives to understand their lived experiences and inform care.

Propositions:

• Relational empowerment enhances individuals' and communities' capacity to co-create health.
• Addressing contextual vulnerabilities is essential for achieving health equity.
• Resource mobilization strengthens individuals' and communities' resilience.
• Narrative integration fosters a deeper understanding of patient needs and promotes personalized care.

Application to Current Professional Nursing Practice:

• This theory aligns with the growing emphasis on patient-centered, community-based care.
• It addresses the social determinants of health and the need to reduce health disparities.
• It promotes a collaborative approach to health promotion, empowering individuals and communities to take control of their well-being.
• It supports the use of narrative inquiry in nursing practice, recognizing the importance of patient stories.
• It supports the need for interprofessional collaboration.
• It supports the use of technology to enhance relationships, and the dissemination of information.

This theory emphasizes the power of relationships and empowerment in promoting health, reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary nursing practice.

Sample Answer

Philosophical Underpinnings of Nursing Theories:

Nursing theories aren't isolated constructs; they're deeply rooted in philosophical perspectives that shape their core assumptions.

• Ontology (Nature of Being):
  • Nursing theories grapple with the essence of "person." Some view individuals as holistic beings, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions (e.g., Watson's Human Caring Theory). Others prioritize physiological or functional aspects (e.g., Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory).
  • Modern theories are increasingly embracing a relational ontology, recognizing the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments.
• Epistemology (Nature of Knowledge):
  • How does nursing knowledge emerge? Some theories emphasize empirical, objective data (positivism), while others value subjective, experiential knowledge (phenomenology).