Nursing Theories

Nursing theories are sets of interrelated concepts, models, definitions, and propositions,
that are obtained through deductive reasoning and also inductive reasoning, and based on
assumptions. They are used for assessing patient conditions using the specific methods contained
within the nursing theory, to help identify patient needs. These theories are selected to match with
patient needs and will be applied to help solve identified problems faced by the patient. They are
used to help ensure effective interaction and communication between nurse and patient. They are
organized and systematic articulations of set statements that relate to questions faced within the
nursing discipline. Nursing theories are important because they are defining mechanisms that
predict, describe, and explain what is the practice of nursing. They are foundational to nursing,
helping to accumulate further knowledge and give indications of what direction nursing should take
to develop into the future. It helps us to both decide what it is we already know, and understand
what we 'need' to know. In practice, nursing theories help nurses by describing, explaining, and
predicting everyday experiences. This serves to guide nurses in their assessments, interventions, and
evaluations of nursing care. It provides a criteria by which nursing care quality can be measured. A
useful nursing theory will make assumptions concerning health problems, environment, behaviors,
and target populations, that are logical, consistent, research supported, and similar to ones that
have proven to be successful in previous programs.