Section II: Conceptual Influences on the Evolution of Nursing Theory Chapter 5: Early Conceptualizations About Nursing Chapter 6: Nurse- Patient Relationship Theories This week’s discussion question is a two-part inquiry. What were the early conceptualizations of nursing theory? What are nurse-patient theories? Reference’ book Smith, M. & Parker, M. (2014). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company. ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-3312-4
The early conceptualizations of nursing theory referred to the initial ideas and beliefs about the nature and practice of nursing. These early conceptualizations laid the foundation for the development of nursing theories over time. The evolution of nursing theory has been influenced by various factors including social, cultural, and historical contexts.
One of the key figures in the early conceptualizations of nursing theory is Florence Nightingale. She is regarded as the founder of modern nursing and her ideas have had a significant impact on the development of nursing theory. Nightingale believed that nursing is a distinct profession with its own body of knowledge. She emphasized the importance of environmental factors in promoting health and wellbeing. In her book, “Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not,” Nightingale described the essential components of nursing care such as clean air, clean water, efficient drainage, cleanliness, light, and warmth. Her environmental theory remains relevant to this day and has influenced subsequent nursing theories.
Another key early conceptualization of nursing theory is the Interpersonal Theory by Hildegard Peplau. Peplau focused on the nurse-patient relationship and believed that it is a therapeutic and healing process. She emphasized the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. Peplau’s theory laid the foundation for further exploration of the nurse-patient relationship in nursing practice and theory development.
Nurse-patient theories, on the other hand, refer to theories that specifically focus on the relationship between the nurse and the patient. These theories seek to understand and explore the dynamics and interactions within this relationship. Nurse-patient theories emphasize the importance of effective communication, empathy, trust, and respect in promoting positive patient outcomes.
One example of a nurse-patient theory is the Humanistic Nursing Theory by Josephine Paterson and Loretta Zderad. This theory considers the individual as a unique being with their own experiences, perceptions, and needs. It emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and shared decision-making between the nurse and the patient. The Humanistic Nursing Theory recognizes the nurse-patient relationship as a human-to-human connection and promotes the enhancement of the patient’s well-being.
Another example is the Transpersonal Caring Theory by Jean Watson. This theory takes into account the spiritual and transcendent aspects of nursing care. Watson believes that the nurse-patient relationship is a sacred encounter that goes beyond the physical aspects of care. She emphasizes the importance of compassion, love, and a deep understanding of the patient’s innermost being. The Transpersonal Caring Theory promotes the integration of the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.
In summary, the early conceptualizations of nursing theory laid the foundation for the development of nursing theories that we have today. Figures like Florence Nightingale and Hildegard Peplau had a significant influence on the early conceptualizations of nursing theory. Nurse-patient theories focus specifically on the relationship between the nurse and the patient and seek to understand and enhance this relationship. Examples of nurse-patient theories include the Humanistic Nursing Theory and the Transpersonal Caring Theory. These theories emphasize the importance of effective communication, empathy, trust, and respect in promoting positive patient outcomes.