Understanding the Jargon and thinking Analyzing Nursing Theories

Steps in Analysis 1. Origins 2. Unique Focus 3. Content

Why analyze To understand what the author is saying To provide an objective and non-judgemental assessment of strengths and weaknesses To determine fit with own philosophies about nursing and nursing practice To understand your prof’s mumblings

Origins of the model Historical What motivated the development of the model? What are the philosophical beliefs and values of the model? What strategies for knowledge development were used? What scholars influenced the author? What world view is reflected in the model?

Unique Focus What is the distinctive view of the metaparadigm of nursing (person, nursing, environment and health). Specific to one or more of categories of nursing knowledge (developmental, systems, intertaction, needs, outcomes, client-focused, person-environment interaction, nursing therapeutics, energy fields, conservation are examples)

Content How are human beings defined and categorized? How is environment defined? How is health defined? How is nursing defined? What is the goal of nursing? How I nursing practice defined? What statements are made about the relationships b/w the four metaparadigm concepts?