NURS 8110: Theoretical and Scientific Foundations for Nursing Practice | Week 8

As noted throughout this course, nursing practice is unique, yet it also draws from the theoretical foundations of various disciplines.

In examining the foundations of nursing practice, it is important to consider the applicability and influence of bio-behavioral, pathophysiological, psychosocial, and environmental sciences theories. The focus of the course now shifts to an examination of interdisciplinary theories and the implications for nursing practice. This week you will investigate theories from the sociological and behavioral science.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Integrate sociological and behavioral theories into advanced nursing practice

Photo Credit: [Attila Barabas]/[iStock/Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images

Learning Resources NURS 8110: Week 8: Nursing Interdisciplinary Theories and Models, Part I

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing. (5th ed.) Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

• Chapter 13, “Theories From the Sociologic Sciences”
• Chapter 14, “Theories From the Behavioral Sciences”Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 discuss those theories from the social and behavioral sciences that are applicable to nursing and health care.

Carnegie, E., & Kiger, A. (2009). Being and doing politics: An outdated model or 21st century reality? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(9), 1976–1984. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05084.x

This article uses critical social theory to analyze the political role of nurses. The article argues that nurses must be prepared for political participation in national and local contexts in order to encourage policy analysis and community engagement within nursing practice.

Conrad, P., & Barker, K. (2010). The social construction of illness: Key Insights and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior: Special Issue, 51, S67–S79. doi: 10.1177/0022146510383495

This article examines the history of the social construction of illness and discusses different methods in which the concept of illness is developed in different cultures.

Ford, C. L., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Critical race theory, race equity, and public health: Toward antiracism praxis. American Journal of Public Health, 100(S1), S30–S35. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.171058.

This article applies a theory from legal studies to racial inequality issues in health care in order to improve social consciousness and quality of care.

Kelly, C. (2008). Commitment to health theory. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 22(2), 148–160.

This article reviews the Commitment to Health (CTH) theory, the theory’s assumptions, and application to nursing and health care.

Ryan, P. (2009). Integrated theory of health behavior change: Background and intervention development. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 23(3), 161–170.

This article examines the application of health behavior theory to clinical practice.

Optional Resources

Byrd, M. (2006). Social exchange as a framework for client-nurse interaction during public health nursing maternal-child home visits. Public Health Nursing, 23(3), 271–276. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2006.230310.x

Mohammed, S. (2006). Scientific inquiry. (Re)examining health disparities: critical social theory in pediatric nursing. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 11(1), 68–71. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6155.2006.00045.x

Discussion: Use of Psychosocial Theories in Nursing

Post your responses to the Discussion based on the course requirements.

Your Discussion postings should be written in standard edited English and follow APA guidelines as closely as possible given the constraints of the online platform. Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate. Refer to the Essential Guide to APA Style for Walden Students to ensure your in-text citations and reference list are correct. Initial postings must be 250–350 words (not including references).

ADDITIONAL DETAILS 

Nursing Interdisciplinary Theories and Models

Introduction

Nursing is an exciting, dynamic field that constantly changes. While there are many theories to choose from, one of the most important is the nursing theory known as interdisciplinary. Interdisciplinary theories provide a foundation for understanding how nurses can work together with other disciplines in order to deliver high-quality care.

The 6Cs

The 6Cs are the most widely used framework in nursing. They are:

• Client (that is, the person who receives care)

• Client’s family and other significant persons (family members and friends who may be involved with a client)

• Client’s environment (the place where the client lives or works)

• Client’s clinical condition(s).

The Roy Adaptation Model

The Roy Adaptation Model is a nursing theory developed by Florence Nightingale in the late 19th century. It is based on the idea that nurses should work with patients to help them adapt to their situation and improve their health outcomes. The model consists of four basic principles:

• Patient centered care – This principle states that the nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure patient safety, comfort and well-being;

• Problem solving – This principle requires nurses to provide information about what they can expect from treatment or interventions;

• Teamwork – Nurses must work together as part of a team (or teams) so they can coordinate care more effectively when there are multiple types of professionals involved in providing services to one patient;

• Innovation – Nurses should continue seeking out new ways of improving quality outcomes through research into new techniques or technologies that may improve outcomes further still

Orem Self-Care Deficit Theory

The Orem Self-Care Deficit Theory (OSCD) is a nursing theory that states that people are motivated to maintain their health and well-being. The OSCD assumes that when individuals do not receive care or support from others, they become vulnerable to stressors which can result in negative outcomes such as illness or injury. This theory was created by Dr. Gary Orem and serves as a framework for understanding how nurses can impact patient outcomes through their interactions with patients on an individual level

Neuman Systems Model

The Neuman Systems Model is a nursing theory and model that describes how nurses can best use their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide care. The model was developed by Mary Jo Neuman in 1985. It is used in the fields of nursing education, practice, research and policy development.

The components of this model include:

• Nursing knowledge—the body’s structure (e.g., anatomy), functions (e.g., respiration), relationships between systems within the body (e.g., cardiovascular system);

• Skills & abilities—the body’s capabilities for movement or function;

• Professional values—values associated with being an effective nurse practitioner

Peplau Interpersonal Theory

Peplau Interpersonal Theory is a theory that examines the development of relationships between people. It is based on the idea that relationships are important to people and how they interact with each other and change over time.

Peplau’s research suggests that there are six stages of relationship development: pre-relationship (when you meet someone), courtship (when you start dating), engagement (when your partner says “I love you”), marriage or living together, and divorce or separation.

Takeaway:

• The 6Cs: The Roy Adaptation Model is a nursing model that describes how nurses respond to the physical and psychosocial needs of patients. It assumes that each person has his or her own unique personality, values, goals, and circumstances that affect their ability to recover from illness or injury.

• Orem Self-Care Deficit Theory: This theory explains how people’s self-care deficits can lead them into risky behaviors such as substance abuse and sexual promiscuity when they don’t have access to healthy coping skills.

• Neuman Systems Model: This model integrates the insights from neuroscience research into clinical practice by helping nurses understand how both physiological processes (e., hormones) influence behavior (e., mood) across multiple systems such as brain chemistry/neurotransmitters/neuroimaging technologies).

Conclusion

Remember, the goal of nursing research is to improve patient care and reduce suffering. Nursing theory has been a powerful tool for doing this because it helps us understand how we can help people who suffer from illness or injury. While there are many different theories related to nursing care, these six models are some of the most influential ones in today’s world of health care.