Summary
Highlights
Definition of theory derived from 'theoria' (to view). A theory is a set of statements describing, explaining, or predicting relationships between concepts, characterized as creative, tentative, purposeful, and systematic.
Explanation of phenomena as observable events or aspects of reality. Nursing theory is defined as a body of knowledge that guides nurses in providing evidence-based, safe, and effective care.
Overview of the four core nursing metaparadigms: Person (recipients of care), Health (well-being), Environment (surroundings), and Nursing (the profession and services provided).
Discussion on philosophy as a 'love of wisdom' that guides values in practice, the role of conceptual models in representing ideas, and science as systematic knowledge gained through research and methodology.