Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A concise, accessible introduction to the development, application and evaluation of nursing theories, this new edition of Fundamentals of Nursing Models, Theories & Practice provides a thorough overview of the body of knowledge on the topic, and a clear outline of their relevance to everyday nursing practice. Linking the development of theory to practice, this full-updated text features learning outcomes, key concept summaries and reflective exercises to aid the study of this key element of all modern nursing courses.

Special Features

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• About the series (p. viii)
• Dedication (p. ix)
• Preface (p. x)
• How to use your textbook (p. xii)
• About the companion website (p. xvii)
• Chapter 1 The case for nursing theory (p. 1)
• Introduction (p. 2)
• The necessity and meaning of theory (p. 4)
• Theory defined (p. 5)
• Construction of theory (p. 9)
• Theory and science of nursing (p. 11)
• Other interpretations of theory (p. 13)
• Main paradigms and philosophies and their influence on the development of nursing science (p. 14)
• Theory and practice of nursing (p. 16)
• Do we really need theory? (p. 18)
• Nursing theories today (p. 18)
• Conclusion (p. 21)
• Chapter 2 Knowing In nursing and nursing knowledge (p. 23)
• Introduction (p. 24)
• Defining knowing and knowledge (p. 24)
• Philosophies of knowledge (p. 25)
• How do nurses know? (p. 35)
• Developing nursing knowledge (p. 48)
• Conclusion (p. 52)
• Chapter 3 Theory from practice and practice from theory (p. 53)
• Introduction (p. 54)
• First steps - reflecting on theory (p. 54)
• The questions begged (p. 55)
• Developing nursing theory (p. 56)
• Levels of theory (p. 58)
• The relationship between theory and practice (p. 69)
• The questions begged - some answers (p. 76)
• Conclusion (p. 77)
• Chapter 4 Nursing theories and new nursing roles (p. 79)
• Introduction (p. 80)
• Defining role (p. 81)
• Background to the development of new roles in nursing (p. 81)
• Some implications of the new nursing roles (p. 84)
• Using theory to understand new roles in nursing (p. 85)
• Conclusion (p. 97)
• Chapter 5 Nursing theories of nursing models (p. 99)
• Introduction (p. 100)
• Reasons for historical nursing theory evolution (p. 100)
• Model (p. 102)
• Theory (p. 103)
• Theory or model? (p. 104)
• The classification of theories (p. 106)
• Current trends in nursing theories (p. 109)
• The nursing metaparadigm (p. 110)
• Limitations of nursing theories (p. 114)
• Benefits of nursing theories (p. 118)
• Conclusions (p. 121)
• Chapter 6 Interpersonal relationships: the essence of nursing models and theories (p. 123)
• Introduction (p. 124)
• Types of interpersonal relationships (p. 124)
• Interpersonal theories of nursing (p. 127)
• Implications for nurse education (p. 133)
• Social capital (p. 135)
• Threats to the development of interpersonal relationships in nursing and the use of interpersonal theories (p. 136)
• Conclusion (p. 138)
• Chapter 7 How to select a suitable model or theory (p. 140)
• Introduction (p. 141)
• Selecting an appropriate nursing theory (p. 142)
• Potential problems when selecting a nursing theory (p. 143)
• Choosing a suitable nursing theory (p. 150)
• Nurses' own philosophy as a basis for selecting a theory (p. 153)
• A strategy for choice (p. 154)
• Who should select the theory? (p. 155)
• Nursing theories or theories developed by another discipline? (p. 156)
• Conclusion (p. 158)
• Chapter 8 Research and theory; some relationships (p. 161)
• Introduction (p. 162)
• Building theory through research: an inductive approach (p. 162)
• Is the link between theory and research strong? (p. 165)
• Research in nursing (p. 166)
• Theory-generating research (TGR) (p. 167)
• Theory-testing research (TTR) (p. 171)
• Theory-framed research (TFR) (p. 174)
• Theory-evaluating research (TER) (p. 175)
• Strategies for theory development through research (p. 180)
• Conclusions (p. 184)
• Chapter 9 Criteria for theory description, analysis and evaluation (p. 186)
• Introduction (p. 187)
• The evaluator of a nursing theory (p. 187)
• Significance of the theory (p. 187)
• Step 1 Theory description (p. 189)
• Step 2 Theory analysis (p. 192)
• Step 3 Theory evaluation (p. 201)
• Conclusion (p. 206)
• References (p. 208)
• Index (p. 220)

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Hugh P. McKenna CBE is Pro Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at University of Ulster, UK.

Majda Pajnkihar is Dean, Senior Research Fellow, and Head of Institute of Nursing Care in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Slovenia.

Fiona Murphy is Associate Professor at the College of Human & Health Sciences, Swansea University, UK.