Nursing science is developed through the work of nurse scientists and theorists who describe and explain what nursing is and what nurses do. Important to the development of nursing science are the foundational structures of nursing: Nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies Conceptual frameworks and grand theories of nursing, which are more abstract, give the discipline a unique perspective of the metaparadigm concepts and provide a path for more concrete theory development. Locate a conceptual framework/grand nursing theory, explain how it relates to Nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies
In the field of nursing science, conceptual frameworks and grand nursing theories play a crucial role in describing and explaining the nature of nursing practice. These frameworks and theories provide a structure and direction for the development of nursing science by offering a unique perspective on the metaparadigm concepts of nursing. They assist in understanding the fundamental principles and assumptions that underpin nursing practice.
To understand the relationship between conceptual frameworks/grand nursing theories, nursing metatheory, and nursing philosophies, we must first establish a clear understanding of these terms.
Nursing metatheory refers to the overarching theories and philosophies that guide the development of nursing knowledge. It encompasses the broadest and most abstract level of theory within the nursing discipline. Metatheory provides the foundation for nursing theories and conceptual frameworks, serving as a framework for understanding the core principles, concepts, and values of nursing.
Nursing philosophies, on the other hand, refer to the beliefs and values that guide the ethical and moral aspects of nursing practice. They provide a philosophical framework for understanding the nature of nursing, its purpose, and its relationship to individuals, families, communities, and society at large. Nursing philosophies shape the guiding principles and values that inform nursing theory and practice.
Conceptual frameworks and grand nursing theories are more concrete representations of nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies. They provide a more detailed and specific view of nursing practice and the concepts that underpin it. Conceptual frameworks, also known as theoretical frameworks or models, are sets of concepts and their relationships that provide a systematic way of organizing and understanding nursing phenomena. They offer a structure for organizing knowledge and facilitating the development of more concrete nursing theories.
Grand nursing theories, on the other hand, are comprehensive theories that attempt to explain the nature of nursing, its purpose, and its role in healthcare. These theories propose a set of assumptions, concepts, and relationships that provide a broad understanding of the nursing discipline. Grand theories often integrate multiple concepts and perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of nursing.
The relationship between conceptual frameworks/grand nursing theories, nursing metatheory, and nursing philosophies can be understood as a hierarchical one. Nursing metatheory lays the foundation for nursing philosophies, which in turn inform the development of conceptual frameworks and grand nursing theories.
Conceptual frameworks and grand nursing theories are influenced by nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies, and they, in turn, contribute to the further development of nursing metatheory. They serve as tools for organizing and structuring nursing knowledge, helping nurse scientists and theorists to explore and explain the nature of nursing in a systematic and comprehensive manner.
To provide an example of a conceptual framework/grand nursing theory, we can look at the Transcultural Nursing Theory developed by Madeleine Leininger. This theory aims to understand and provide culturally congruent care for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is based on the belief that culture is central to human behavior and influences health and illness experiences. Leininger’s theory incorporates concepts such as culture care diversity and universality, with the goal of promoting ethnonursing and culturally congruent care.
Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory relates to nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies by emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in nursing practice. It aligns with nursing metatheory by recognizing the significance of culture in shaping the concepts and principles of nursing. Additionally, it reflects nursing philosophies by highlighting the ethical responsibility of nurses to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care.
In conclusion, conceptual frameworks and grand nursing theories are essential components of nursing science as they provide a structure and direction for the development of nursing knowledge. They relate to nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies by representing more concrete and specific views of nursing practice and incorporating the fundamental principles and values that guide nursing theory and practice. The relationship between these elements is hierarchical, with nursing metatheory and nursing philosophies providing the foundation for the development of conceptual frameworks and grand nursing theories.