Metaparadigm of Nursing Flashcards

Concept

• Represents an idea formed in the mind that reflects the world; essential building blocks of theory in nursing.

Critical Social Theories

• Analyze historical power imbalances in society and their impact.
• Aim to empower marginalized individuals through critical examination and knowledge application.
• Seek to foster positive changes in societal conditions affecting lives.

Hypotheses

• Predictive statements that establish relationships between variables.
• Serve as a bridge between theory and research; critical for testing theoretical frameworks.

Metaparadigm

• A framework essential to nursing that encompasses key concepts: person, health, nursing, environment, and social justice.

Nursing Concept of Metaparadigm

• Focuses on the nurse’s attributes and actions in relation to the patient.
• Acknowledges patients and families as experts in their own experiences.

Health Concept of Metaparadigm

• Health is a subjective term influenced by individual or community perspectives.
• Encompasses holistic aspects: physical, psychosocial, relational, and spiritual, evolving throughout a person’s lifespan.

Environment Concept of Metaparadigm

• Covers the broader context of healthcare impacting individuals, integrating both internal and external factors that affect well-being.

Person Concept of Metaparadigm

• Defines the individual as dynamic, including individuals, families, and communities.
• Emphasizes a holistic approach where all relevant personal aspects are considered in care.

Fifth Concept of the Metaparadigm: Social Justice

• Advocates for equitable allocation of resources to benefit marginalized populations.
• Nurses assume an advocacy role, working towards equity and fairness.

Upstream Approach

• Focuses on preventive strategies to address issues before they arise, rather than reactive solutions.

Nursing Practice Theories

• Concentrate specifically on nursing and care dynamics, incorporating elements of the metaparadigm.
• Can be applied at various levels of practice understanding.

Paradigm

• Represents shared patterns of understanding and worldviews; foundational to theories which can evolve over time.

Social Justice

• Concerns fairness and equal opportunity for all individuals in society.
• Viewed both as a goal and an ongoing process.

Variables

• Observable changes in characteristics or quantities that researchers can measure or quantify.

Theory

• A structured set of concepts and variables aimed at describing, explaining, or predicting phenomena.
• In nursing, theory informs and is informed by practice, influencing actions and methodologies.

Grand Nursing Theories

• Provide overarching philosophical orientations applicable to diverse nursing scenarios.

Midrange Nursing Theories

• More specific than grand theories, informed by practice and research, designed to guide daily nursing activities.

Meta-theory

• Expounds on broad theoretical issues, analyzing the purpose and requirements for nursing theories and outlining evaluative criteria.

Practice Theory

• Highly specific and situation-based, defining goals and strategies for their achievement.
• Serves as protocols in nursing, bridging theory with actual practice.

History and Purpose of Theory Development in Nursing

• Originated in 1800s England, where uneducated women served as nurses in home care settings; the role was often viewed with disdain, lacking formal training.