Nursing Theory

​Theory...and the usefulness

By Miranda Smith Ed.D., AGACNP-BC

Multiple Choice

A student is reviewing a research article and notes the author's used Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory to guide their study. Which best describes how the theory is being used>

• To help explain the phenomena being studied

• To statistically analyze the data

• To identify the sample size

• To help create questions for the survey

Why use theory

Theories help to make connections

Psychology
Business/Marketing
Natural Sciences
Healthcare
Education

There are many different types of theories

Constructivism

Educational theory that says learners construct their own knowledge based on previous experiences and reflections

Self-efficacy

Confidence
Using APPS on the phone
Understanding the use of medication/health compliance
Diabetes management
Atrial fibrillation medication compliance
HIV med compliance

​- Name of Author

Multiple Choice

Which statement best differentiates a nursing theory from a conceptual framework?

• Theories are visual, frameworks are abstract

• Theories organize variables; frameworks explain outcomes

• Theories focus on practice, whereas a conceptual framework is purely theoretical.

• Theories explain phenomena; frameworks organize study concepts

Multiple Choice

A nurse is implementing a EBP on the floor to help decrease CAUTIs. Which type of theory would be best for the nurse to utilize?

• Grand theory

• Practice theory

• Middle-range

• I don't know??

Multiple Choice

Which statement best reflects the use of EBP guided by nursing theory?

• Performing tasks based on unit routine

• Using hand sanitizer supported by research on infection rates

• Following physician preference

• Using policies from another facility

Multiple Choice

A student uses Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory to predict improved confidence after simulation. This reflects which purpose of theory?

• Describing data

• Selecting instruments

• Explaining and predicting outcomes

• Determining sample size

Class Activity

In your groups, discover 2 Theories (Nursing or Non-Nursing) that could be applied to your paper. Use ChatGPT/CoPilot/AI to help you find these theories in relation to your PICOT question. In the discussion portion, please post these 2 theories and how you would plan to incorporate them into your paper. Give feedback on other groups so you all will have awesome presentations!