Nursing Theory Lecture 1: Introduction

Nursing 

As defined by the INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES as written by Virginia Henderson.
• The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health, it’s recovery, or to a peaceful death the client would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge.
• Help the client gain independence as rapidly as possible.

Nursing Theory 

Over the years, nursing has incorporated theories from non-nursing sources, including theories of systems, human needs, change, problem solving, and decision making. Barnum defines theory as “a construct that accounts for or organizes some phenomenon. A nursing theory, then, describes or explains nursing.”

With the formulation of different theories, concepts, and ideas in nursing it:
• It guides nurses in their practice knowing what is nursing and what is not nursing.
• It helps in the formulations of standards, policies and laws.
• It will help the people to understand the competencies and professional accountability of nurses.
• It will help define the role of the nurse in the multidisciplinary health care team.

Four Major Concepts 

Nurses have developed various theories that provide different explanations of the nursing discipline. All theories, however, share four central concepts: Person refers to all human beings. People are the recipients of nursing care; they include individuals, families, communities, and groups. Environment includes factors that affect individuals internally and externally. It means not only in the everyday surroundings but all setting where nursing care is provided. Health generally addresses the person’s state of well-being. The concept of Nursing is central to all nursing theories. Definitions of nursing describe what nursing is, what nurses do, and how nurses interact with clients. Most nursing theories address each of the four central concepts implicitly or explicitly.