Nursing Theory

Nursing theories are arranged, scientific knowledge concepts that actually define the scope of nursing practice. These theories are vital in the concept of nursing. Most of the nursing theories are developed by nurses, but at times other health professionals, such as physicians have contributed to the development of nursing theories. Nurses can create a theory on their own or in collaboration with other nurses. In short, nurse theories assist explain what nurses do and why they do it. The framework provided by the various nursing theories helps to shape the parameters of patient care delivery. Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs) may use these theories to help shape care delivery plans in a way that is compatible with a variety of planned outcomes.  In general, nursing theories are categorized into three different levels.

• Grand Nursing Theories
• Middle-Range Nursing Theories
• Practice-Level Nursing Theories