Nursing theory is a major part of all nursing courses and nurses are encouraged to use theories in practice, but it is not always easy for the student to make a real connection between the two. Drawing on many years' experience of teaching and research, Hugh McKenna addresses the theory needs of both students and qualified staff. He demystifies the confusing terminology associated with nursing theory and shows how all nurses can build theory from practice through reflection and analysis. This text offers step-by-step guidelines on:
* how to analyse concepts
* how to generate and select theory
* how to apply and test theory in practice.
Written in a friendly, easy to read style, Nursing Theories and Models puts forward realistic strategies for bridging the theory-practice gap.
Introduction 1 The trouble with terminology 2 Ways of knowing 3 Building theory through concept analysis 4 Introduction to nursing theories 5 Choosing a theory for practice 6 Applying theories in practice 7 Theory and research: the relationship 8 Analysis and critique of nursing theory
Biography
Hugh McKenna is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences and Education at the University of Ulster
'This book would be an excellent teaching resource and an excellent textbook for student nurses...should be in every nursing library and on every nurse's bookshelves.' - Roger Watson, University of Edinburgh, in the Journal of Advanced Nursing
'Offers much of interest to nurses not simply as an analysis of a topic fundamental to the profession of nursing but also as an example of a careful, scholarly exlploration of a large and complex subject area. It is a pleasure to read such a comprehensive and clearly expressed review...any nurse with an interest in the basic values and philosophy of the nursing professions will be rewarded by the study of this book. I would anticipate that nurse educators will value this British contribution to the continuing development of nursing.' - Journal of Nursing Management
'Well-written, informative and indulges in critical debate throughout ... I would recommend this book to undergraduate and post-graduate students of nursing, and also all those current practitioners, managers and academics whose scepticism of nursing theory has been shaped for the want of a good-quality critique on the subject.' - Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
