OVERVIEW
Theories help make sense of phenomenon by providing order and perspective from which to view practice. Nursing theories are not new, they reflect insight from the past, knowledge, and realities that guide and impact the profession today. Let's take a look at contemporary theorists
this week. As you proceed, consider how these contemporary theories reflect tenets of earlier theories. Evaluate the relevance of these contemporary theories in nursing today. Consider which theory you may find relevant to your practice today. As you read compare and contrast key points with the following pairs of theorists:
• Parse and Watson
• Watson and Patterson-Zderad
• Boykin and Schoenhofer
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The following activities must be completed in preparation for this week's assignments:
1. Read/Study :
a. Parker, M., & Smith, M. (2010). Nursing theories & nursing practice (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
i. - "Rosemary Rizzo Parse's Human Becoming School of Thought"
ii. - "Josephine Patterson and Loretta Zderad's Humanistic Nursing Theory"
iii. - "Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring"
iv. - "Anne Boykin and Savina O. Schoenhofer's Nursing is Caring Theory
ASSIGNMENTS
The following assignments are to be completed:
1. Discussion Activity:
a. Review the theories in your readings this week. Summarize what caring means to you based on these theories.
b. Based on the theories from your readings this week, explain the meaning of patients' lived experiences. What does this mean and how does it apply to patient care?
c. How do the dimensions of caring relate to the spiritual care provided to patients?
d. Which of the theorists this week align with your personal and professional values in practice? Explain the components of the theory that align with your professional practice. Provide examples.