NURSING THEORY

Nursing Theory: Mirror Perspective



Nursing Theory: A Mirror Perspective

Introduction

A nursing theory is a set of concepts, definitions, relationships, and assumptions or propositions derived from nursing models. Nursing theories systematic view phenomena by designing specific inter-relationships among concepts for the purposes of describing, explaining, predicting, and prescribing (Botha, 1989). This paper examines the perspective of nursing theory using the mirror approach. The paper uses Parse' Man-Living-Health Theory to suggest how the approach may be useful for clinical experience.

Perspective of Nursing Theory Using a Mirror

My perspective is that theory is a mirror of nursing; one reflects the other. Without theory, there would be no nursing. The theoretical basis for nursing is ever evolving, and nurses must grow with contemporary theories to remain effective for patients and fellow nurses. The mirror view of nursing provides many different perspectives. If you were to step back from the mirror, the reflection would be different from if you were closer to the mirror. Each perspective of the mirror provides the nurse with slightly different details and highlights (Meleis, 1991).

Current healthcare systems are frequently characterized by changes, diversities, and complexities. Transition Theory that evolved from research studies among diverse groups of people in various types of transitions could adequately direct nursing practice, education, and practice in the current healthcare system (Hanson & Kaakinen, 2005). Transitions from nursing theory to nursing practice will continue to evolve and mirror each other. It is the responsibility of nurses to remain diligent and make the transition from new theories to nursing practice (Meleis, 1991).

The Johnson Behavioral System (JBS) Model

Dorothy Johnson stated that the development of a theory of nursing is not as important as the development of a conceptualization for nursing that provides direction for practice, education and research (Botha, 1989). Johnson identified nursing by its actions and goals and described the person is as a behavioral system. Johnson categorized all human behavior into seven subsystems: Attachment, Achievement, Aggressive, Dependence, Sexual, and Ingestive behaviors (Botha, 1989).

Mirrors reflect all or parts of reality and give them different shapes; microscopes zero in on yet another part of reality and magnify it within or without context, and telescopes bring faraway objects and events within reach for observations, careful study, and better understanding (Alligood & Tomey, 2002). Nursing theories reflect different realities seen through mirrors, microscopes, or telescopes. The images are not always distinct images, well formulated images, or realistic images; however, they are not mirages or figments of the imagination of the theories either.

Theory utilization Era

Nursing has moved into a new era of utilization of philosophies, models, or theories in practice and referred to as theory based nursing practice, sufficient evidence of theory-based practice exists to declare a theory utilization era (Alligood & Tomey, 2002)

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It is important to note that critique and analysis of theory were emphasized in the early years of the theory era when the focus was on the process of theory development and when doctoral education programs were opening across the United States, continued development in the ...