Internal Dimensions The internal dimensions of a theory act as guidelines to describe a theory to enhance understanding of the approaches used to evolve it and in identifying gaps in the theory (Meleis, 2018). The first dimension is the rationale on which the theory is built (Meleis, 2018). The components of the theory of self-transcendence are united in a chain-link and it is based on certain sets of relationships that are deduced from a small set of basic principles and are therefore hierarchical in nature (Reed, 2008). The second dimension to consider is that of the system of relations (Meleis, 2018). In the theory of self-transcendence, the elements explain relations and self-transcendence is a mediator of the relationship between vulnerability and well-being outcomes may …show more content…
The attention to the need in nursing for theories addresses knowledge of order, knowledge of disorder, and knowledge of control (Meleis, 2018). Self-transcendence theory addresses knowledge of the process, which included the nursing process and nurse-patient interactions (Reed, 2008). In addition, it addresses the knowledge of order for phenomena that are central to objects, events, and interactions in a healthy context (Reed, 2008). Abstractness, the eighth theory dimension (Meleis, 2018), is evaluated by the length of reduction and deduction between its propositions and it would be at the high end (Reed, 2008). The method of theory development is the ninth internal dimension (Melesi, 2018). Reed used the dialectic method of reasoning in developing her theory, as manifested in the way that higher-level principles are subsumed under lower-level concepts (Reed, 2008). The theory was developed by working from various directions, nursing philosophy, and Rogerian thought, lifespan developmental theory, and practice experiences (the dialectic method) (Reed,
Two of the definitions are written in this book. Bradley and Howell state, “dimension is the number of coordinates required to specify a point in the object” (p.64). They also mention some main topics of dimension such as: fractal dimension, a twist on dimension, higher dimension, and entering lower dimension which allows the authors to discuss fractal geometry. A pivotal part of this chapter is Herman Grassmann’s research which describes dimension as a bridge that connects science and faith. Additionally, the material of higher dimensions helps us to understand how God transcends the universe through observable principles such as our senses, and experiences.
Paradigmatic Origins The original purpose of the theory of self-transcendence was to enhance knowledge about what contributes to well-being in later adulthood, but it is now a theory used for individuals at any age, and at all health/illness levels, to include adolescents and young adults (Ellermann & Reed, 2001). The theory of self-transcendence provides concepts that focus on client development and nursing interventions, which promote the client’s ability to experience self-transcendence and thus improved well-being (Smith & Liehr, 2014). Reed (2014) described self-transcendence as an inherent process that was a gradual, non-linear expansion of conceptual boundaries, i.e., one’s personal limits or internal rules and expectations of oneself, others, and the world.
In the following paragraphs, the grand theory of Jean Watson will be explored for its usefulness in practice. We will explore how the theory is congruent with current nursing standards and nursing interventions. Next, we will study if her theory has been tested empirically, if it is supported by research and if it is accurate. We will explore if there is evidence that her theory has been used by nursing educators, researchers, and nursing administrators. Then we will study how her theory is relevant socially and cross-culturally.
As nurses, we continue to gain knowledge and skills within our area of practice. We use theories to help us build concepts or ideas in gathering information, explaining relationships and demonstrating experiences of development. Theories vary in their level of abstraction and scope. Nursing theories are beneficial in helping us to understand, organize our thoughts and influence practice and research. Nursing theory has three distinct types to describe the level of abstraction:
Nursing practice requires both critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Critical thinking is the process of deliberate higher level thinking to define a patient’s problem, examine the evidence-based practice in caring for the patient’s, and make options in the delivery of optimal care. Critical thinking involves the demarcation of statements of fact, judgment, and opinion. The progression of critical thinking requires the nurse to think imaginatively, use reflection, and engage in logical thinking (Alfaro-LeFevre, 2013). Critical thinking is a vital skill needed for the recognition of patient’s problems and the execution of interventions to endorse effectual care outcomes (Bittencourt & Crossetti, 2012).
The purpose of this theory, being to define both nurse and patient roles and nursing as a profession, is seen as a strength of the self-care deficit nursing theory. Level of Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory A grand theory is defined as one that is relatively broad and complicated (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Dorothea Orem’s self-care deficit nursing theory fits this definition of
Philosophy of Nursing Everyone’s values and beliefs about the profession of nursing are all different. The four concepts of nursing are interrelated and all mean something different to every person, too. Throughout this paper, I will be reflecting on my values and beliefs about nursing through the four concepts while comparing them to a nursing theorist with views that are most similar to my own.
King 's Conceptual System Theory A primary concept of nearly all nursing theories is the belief that humans are the center of nursing care. No matter what setting nurses are practicing in, the goal is to optimize patient outcomes by holistically caring for patients, families, and their environments. Imogene King took this idea, divided in into three systems: personal system, interpersonal system, and social system, and related the systems to goal attainment and specific concepts. Three Systems of King’s Conceptual System
Continued development and testing of the theory led to the specification of self-transcendence as a mediator between vulnerability and well-being, and it supported the direct relationship between self-transcendence and well-being (Reed, 2003, 2008). The theory is now broader in scope and more congruent with a lifespan perspective because the major concepts can be applied to anyone confronted with life events ranging from childbirth and caregiving to long-term care contexts, life-threatening illness, and
Caring for The Individual: An Examination of Personal Nursing Philosophy Arianna Mailloux 400164224 NURSING 2AA3 Ashley Collins Harris February 19, 2018 As a novice nurse, developing and understanding of ones’ own personal feelings about nursing is important to help shape your clinical practice. Within this paper I will examine my personal assumptions, beliefs and values of the four nursing paradigms to develop a personal philosophy of nursing. This philosophy will be aligned with a known nursing theory and the comparisons will be discussed. Section I: Personal Philosophy of Nursing Person
The practice of nursing evolves daily from theories and philosophies that are proven by researchers, resulting in growth of the medical profession and advanced evidence based knowledge. Philosophies According to Alligood (2014b), philosophies are specific theories that focus on one or more metaparadigm concepts in a wide spectrum philosophical way (p. 43). For a person to understand philosophies it is required to understand the knowledge type, metaparadigms. Metaparadigm Metaparadigm is the vast perspective of a discipline and a way to describe a concern specifically to a profession or department (Alligood, 2014b, p.42).
It is created through analysis of research and construction of concepts and theories (Busso, Poles, & Monteiro da Cruz, 2014). Concept analysis serve a purpose within theory development as it represents continuation of knowledge in nursing profession. When theories and concepts are developed, it must be practiced in a clinical setting to validate research. The caring concept applies to Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring as it creates an environment for healing, bonding, and improving patient outcomes. The concept of caring depicts the attitude of the nurse and the inclination given to meet the needs of the patient from emotional or physical standpoints (Emerson, 2017).
Virginia Henderson Theory used Today Virginia Henderson is one of many nursing theorists who changed the nursing profession. Henderson’s theory was considered a “needs” theory (Ahtisham& Jacoline, 2015). It was considered a needs theory because the primary focus was on the patient and the 14 fundamentals needs of the patient to aid in recovery. A nurse taking care of a patient with dementia will utilize Virginia Henderson’s theory in his or her practice by assessing the patient while making a connection with that patient, involving the patient and family to help maintain current health status, providing an environment that will provide safety and security, and using the 14 fundamental needs to guide the nursing process that is being
Nursing Theorists and their Theory 1.Florence Nightingale- Nightingale’s theory of the Environment is mainly focused on the environment, she believed that, the environment has a great importance that can be used to improve and encourage healing. With proper ventilation, clean air, lack of noise , proper lighting, and adequate elimination of waste. Are a few factors she believed and can be observed and maintained. 2.Sister Calista Roy- Roy’s Theory is based on, in which the individual views biopsychosocial being, in which a person adapt with the constant change of the environment.
Theory Description The nursing theory chosen is that of need theory by Virginia Henderson. Henderson has contributed a lot in nursing throughout her journey as a nurse. She intended to define the unique focus of nursing practice, but at the end, it ends up being one the nursing theories that are being used in every clinical setting. Her contribution has helped shaped the way nurses care for their patients and the components she developed help serves as guidelines which nurses used to care for patients.