THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING

THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING

W One - Introduction to Nursing Theories

Nursing Theory: History and Evolution

The beginning of nursing theory can be traced to Florence Nightingale, the Mother of Modern Nursing.

She established a school of nursing at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, marked the birth of modern nursing.

She envisioned nurses as a body of educated women.

Her passion started while taking care of the wounded during the Crimean War.

Nursing began with a strong emphasis on practice.

Later on, it was realized that theory development is significant to develop a body of substantive knowledge to guide nursing practice to establish nursing as a profession and an academic discipline.

Theory without practice is empty and practice without theory is blind. Nursing theory is the backbone of clinical care.

Nursing as an ART

The art of nursing is the intentional creative use of oneself, based upon skill and expertise, to transmit emotion and meaning to another. It is a process that is subjective and requires interpretation, sensitivity, imagination, and active participation.