Course Description
Exploration of theoretical and philosophical foundations of nursing science. This course examines major nursing theories, conceptual frameworks, and their application to advanced nursing practice, education, and research. Students analyze and critique nursing theories and develop personal philosophy of nursing.
Credit Hours
3 credits (3 lecture)
Prerequisites
Admission to MSN program
Student Learning Outcomes (AACN Masters Essentials)
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Essential I - Background for Practice: Integrate nursing theory into advanced practice
- Trace the historical development of nursing theory
- Analyze major nursing theories and conceptual models
- Critique nursing theories for application to practice
- Apply theoretical frameworks to clinical scenarios
- Develop a personal philosophy of nursing practice
- Integrate theory into evidence-based practice
Course Topics
- Philosophy of Science and Nursing Knowledge
- Theory Development in Nursing
- Grand Nursing Theories: Nightingale, Orem, Roy, Rogers, Newman
- Middle-Range Theories
- Theory Analysis and Critique
- Theory-Guided Practice
- Theory-Research-Practice Links
- Personal Philosophy of Nursing Development
Required Textbooks
- McEwen & Wills: Theoretical Basis for Nursing (6th ed.)
- Chinn & Kramer: Integrated Theory and Knowledge Development in Nursing (10th ed.)
Evaluation Methods
Theory Analysis Paper (35%), Philosophy of Nursing Paper (30%), Presentations (20%), Discussion (15%)