Nursing Theories &

Conceptual Frameworks

Nursing Theory

Provides a foundation for nursing

knowledge and gives direction to nursing
practice

Theories are used to:

Describe, predict and control

phenomenon.

Conceptual Framework

A group of related ideas, statements or

concepts also known as Conceptual
Model and Grand Theories.

Concepts

Abstract ideas or mental images of

phenomena or reality.
Often called building blocks of theories
(Ex. Mass, energy, ego, id)

Paradigm

Pattern of shared understandings and

assumptions abut reality and the world.

Metaparadigm

Concepts that can be superimposed on

other concepts

4 Major Paradigms in Nursing

Person/Client
Environment
Health
Nursing

Client Metaparadigms:

The client is the recipient of nursing care.

Environment Metaparadigms:

The internal and external surroundings that affect the

client.

Health Metaparadigms:
The degree of wellness or well-being that the client
experiences.

Nursing Metaparadigms:
The attributes, characteristics, and actions of the
nurse providing care on behalf of, or in conjunction
with the client.

The metaparadigm of nursing is focused on

articulating relationships among the four major
concepts of person, environment, health, and
nursing.

Nursing Theory

The system of ideas proposed to explain

a given phenomenon.
An attempt to explain relationships
between concepts.
A way to conceptualize central interests
of a discipline.

Purposes of the Nursing Theory

A link between nursing theory, education,

research and clinical practice.
Contributes to knowledge development.
Directs education, research and practice