Question

Foundation #2: Do you believe there are advantages or disadvantages (or both) to having multiple nursing and non-nursing theories to describe the work of nursing? Explain.

Answer 1

Ans) I would suggest that theories, whether in nursing or any discipline, are by their nature set at the level of the ideal.

- In other words, they look at the 'perfect' situation, where there are no specific limits, lack of resources, or practical problems. In this sense, inevitably they will seem unrealistic and potential unworkable when translated into the practical reality.

- But at the same time, the theory needs to remain ideal, and the challenge to the practitioner and the professional then becomes to recognise (as you are suggesting) where the barriers lie and therefore how they can be overcome.

- This will vary depending on the type of theory - whether you are looking at grand theories, systems level, interpersonal etc; which will all have inherent issues depending on the level at which they are designed to work.

- Similarly, the geographical, political, socio-cultural and economic environment within which the nursing situation is occurring will also give rise to specific issues and limitations which will vary.

- Overall, I suggest that there are limitations resulting from the nature of a theory driven approach - which relate to the need to strive for the ideal even when this is not immediately possible. This is not always a bad thing though, as it provides the opportunity to maintain a goal and something to strive for. It also helps focus and determine the profession to identify the specific issues which relate to their own area of practice.

- Other barriers relate to trying to impose a theory on a situation, or into an area of practice, that it was not designed for - without considering the need to adapt or amend to address this. Many theories are designed or developed in relation to specific circumstances, and then when practitioners attempt to use them in different ways they can become frustrated and see the problem as being integral to the theory itself, rather than the application of it.