Introduction to Nursing Theories and Models

Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours per Week: 4 Hours
Total Duration: 16 Weeks

Course Description:

It is an introduction to theory and reasoning in nursing which will be foundational

understanding of nursing as a discipline and profession. Students will be introduced to several
different theoretical frameworks in nursing and to the contributions of selected nurse theorists.

Course Learning Objectives (CLOs):

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the need for theory, its purpose, and its development.
2. Describe the historical context of nursing theoretical development.
3. Comprehend the relationship among theory, research, and practice.
4. Describe aspects of current theories of nursing.
5. Apply selected conceptual models applicable to nursing.
6. Examine the application of selected models and theories in nursing practice.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

Upon completion of the BS Nursing program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the cognitive abilities necessary to integrate the nursing concepts and
multidisciplinary knowledge to provide therapeutic nursing care.
2. Exhibit the psychomotor and psychotherapeutic abilities necessary to provide safe
nursing care.
3. Use critical thinking and the nursing process as bases for clinical decision making.
4. Demonstrate caring behaviors towards patients/clients and families from diverse and
multicultural populations across the lifespan.
5. Communicate effectively with clients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary
healthcare team.
6. Utilize appropriate teaching-learning strategies for prevention of illness and the
promotion and restoration of health to individuals, families, and groups.
7. Demonstrate leadership skills to promote the development of the nursing profession.
8. Recognize responsibility for maintaining competence as a registered nurse through self-
evaluation and continuing nursing education to become a lifelong learner.
9. Practice as an ethical and accountable member within the profession of nursing.

Teaching / Learning Strategies:

Interactive lectures, presentation, small group sessions & individual assessment activities, pre
and post readings, discussion, and student presentations.
Evaluation Criteria:

Written Assignment/
20%
Logs/ Presentations
Final Exam 80%

Total 100%

Contents:

1. UNIT-I AN INTRODUCTION TO NURSING THEORY:

 Discuss the importance of theoretical framework in nursing
 Identify the concepts of nursing theory
 Discuss different terms including theory, framework and models
 Discuss overview of nursing process

2. UNIT-II RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEORY AND THE SCIENCE AND

PRACTICE OFNURSING
 Relate the theory practice and research in perspective
 Discuss the historical perspectives of Nursing Theories
 Explain perspective of nursing theory
3. UNIT III: OVERVIEW OF NURSING THEORIES
 Discuss various Nursing Theories (List given below).
 Appraise the component of various nursing theories; description, purpose,
concepts, definition.
 Discuss the application of nursing theories in nursing practice.
Need / problem oriented theory
i. Florence Nightingale
ii. Virginia Henderson
iii. Dorothea E. Orem
iv. Jean Watson
Interaction Oriented Theory
  Hildegard E. Peplau
System Oriented Theory
 Sister Calista Roy
 Betty Neuman
Energy Field Theory
 Patricia Banner

Session Plan:

Wee Learning Ti Teaching Evaluation &

Date Topics CLOs PLOs
k Objectives me Strategy Assessment
Course
Understand
Orientation
the purpose
07-12 & 4 Lecture,
1 and value of 1 1, 3 Short quiz, Q&A
July 2025 Importance hrs Discussion
nursing
of Theory in
theories
Nursing
Explore
how
Theoretical frameworks Interactive
14-19 4 Group activity,
2 Framework guide 1, 3 1, 3 lecture,
July 2025 hrs Worksheet
in Nursing nursing examples
knowledge
and practice
Define core
theory
Concepts of Concept Matching
21-26 concepts 4
3 Nursing 1, 4 1, 5 mapping, exercise,
July 2025 and hrs
Theory diagrams Discussion
relationship
s
Differentiat
Theory, e between
[Insert 4 Lecture, Chart Quiz, Class
4 Model & theory, 1, 4 1
Date] hrs comparison participation
Framework framework,
and model
Explain the
nursing
Overview of Lecture,
[Insert process and 4 Process mapping
5 Nursing 3, 6 3 Process chart,
Date] its hrs assignment
Process Role-play
theoretical
integration
6 [Insert Theory- Identify 3 3 4 Case-based Group case
Date] Practice- how theory hrs discussion, analysis
 connects
Research with clinical
Examples
Relationship practice and
research
Outline
Historical major
[Insert Perspectives milestones 4 Timeline Timeline poster,
7 2 1, 2
Date] on Nursing and hrs creation, Video Group activity
Theory theorists in
nursing
Discuss the
Philosophica
philosophy Debate,
[Insert l 4 Short reflective
8 behind 2, 4 1, 4 Conceptual
Date] Perspectives hrs writing
nursing analysis
in Theory
models
Describe
components
Overview of
[Insert : purpose, 4 Diagramming, Quiz, Fill-in-the-
9 Theory 1, 4 1
Date] assumptions hrs Guided notes blank
Structure
,
propositions
Need-
Discuss and
Oriented
[Insert apply need- 4 Lecture, Case Short answer
10 Theories: 4, 5 1, 6
Date] based hrs study test, Case review
Nightingale,
models
Henderson
Apply
Self-Care Clinical
[Insert Orem's 4 Case study
11 Theory 4, 5 1, 6 scenarios,
Date] model to hrs worksheet
(Orem) Flowcharts
patient care
Relate
Caring caring
[Insert 4 Video, Class Reflective
12 Theory (Jean principles to 4, 5 4, 6
Date] hrs reflection journal entry
Watson) nursing
practice
Interaction Compare
& System interpersona Group Peer-reviewed
[Insert 4
13 Theories: l and 4, 5 3, 5 discussion, comparison
Date] hrs
Peplau, Roy, systems Diagrams sheet
Neuman models
Analyze
Application application
[Insert 4 Case reviews, Case analysis
14 in Clinical of theories 5, 6 3, 6
Date] hrs Simulation report
Settings to real-life
cases
15 [Insert Integration Link 3, 6 3, 6 4 Diagramming, Care plan peer
 nursing
with Nursing theory and
Date] hrs Flowcharts review
Process process
steps
Summary, Evaluate
Theory and
[Insert 4 Review games,
16 Critique, and summarize 4, 6 6, 8, 9 Final exam
Date] hrs Summary chart
Course nursing
Review theories

References

1. Johnson, B. M., & Webber, P. B. (2013). An introduction to theory and reasoning in nursing

(4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

2. Tomey, M.A. &Alligood, M.R. (2002). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (5 th ed) St.

Louis, Missouri: Mosby, Inc.

3. McEwen, M. & Wills, E. (2002). Theoretical Basis for Nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott

Williams & Wilkins

4. Alligood, M.R. &Tomey, A.M. (2002). Nursing Theory Utilization and Application (2 nd

ed). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby, Inc.

5. Parker, M. (2001). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis

6. Gordon, M., Avant, K., Herdman, H., Hoskins, L., Lavin, A. M., Sparks, S., & Warren, J.

(2001). NANDA Nursing Diagnosis: Definite & Classification 2001-2002. Philadelphia:

NANDA.

7. Johnson, M. B., Webbe, B. P. (2001). An Introduction to Theory & Reasoning in Nursing.

New York: Lippincott.