Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

Hypotheses and Knowledge

• Hypotheses suggest a specific relationship exists between two concepts.
• Knowledge is derived from awareness of reality through insight, learning, or investigation.

Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

• Laws are validated propositions about relationships between concepts within a theory.
• A theory is a system of ideas that explains phenomena and relationships between concepts.
• Theoretical frameworks offer ways to conceptualize the central interests of a discipline.

Key Concepts

• Concepts are abstract ideas representing phenomena or reality, serving as building blocks for theories (e.g., mass, energy).
• Metaparadigm represents the worldview of a discipline, particularly nursing, which includes person, environment, health, and nursing.
• A paradigm is an organizing framework of concepts, theories, beliefs, and assumptions that shape understanding within a discipline.

Assumptions and Epistemology

• Assumptions are statements accepted as true without proof.
• Epistemology refers to theories about knowledge acquisition.

Historical Evolution of Nursing

• Intuitive Nursing/Medieval Period: Nursing was instinctive, seen as a function of women without formal training. Illness was attributed to evil spirits.
• Apprentice Nursing/Middle Ages: Development under religious orders. Care was provided by experienced nurses without formal education.
• Educated Nursing/Nightingale Era (19th-20th Century): Florence Nightingale advanced nursing as a profession, focusing on educated women. Influences included war trends and social consciousness, alongside increased educational opportunities for women.
• Contemporary Nursing/20th Century: Marked by the establishment of formal nursing education and a shift towards professional standards.

Significant Figures and Events

• Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing, establishing the first nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.