NURSING DEPARTMENT
Date
Course Title
Pre-requisite (s)
Hours
Credits
3 credit
Nursing Theory
Course Number NUR 3000
None
Co-requisite (s) None
45 theory hours/45 clock Total
outside 90 hours
hours
hours
Note: A minimum of 2 hours of outside work is assigned per clock hour.
Place and Time of Class Meeting
Institute of Healthcare Professions
2100 45th Street, Suite A2A
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Hybrid
Name and Contact Information of Instructor
Instructor:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Campus Telephone:
(561) 202-6333
Delivery Method:
Online
Book required
(The institution recognizes the use of the textbook in the classroom as part of the educational
methodology and strategy applied in diverse materials. The textbook is part of the curriculum and is used
to reach the student in an effective manner in the classroom. Every student is expected to use the
textbook.)
Nursing Theories: A Framework for Professional Practice, 1/e
Kathleen Masters
©2011 Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN-13: 978-1449626013
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
ISBN-10: 1449626017
Classroom expectations for students
Attendance Policy
IHP has adopted a revised online attendance policy which requires students to be actively
participating in their online course to be considered in attendance.
Students are expected to participate in all required instructional activities in their
courses. Online courses are no different in this regard; however, participation must be defined in
a different manner.
1. Student “attendance” in an online course is defined as active participation in the course as
described in the course syllabus. Instructors in online courses are responsible for
providing students with clear instructions for how they are required to participate in the
course. Additionally, instructors are responsible for incorporating specific instructional
activities within their course and will, at a minimum, have weekly mechanisms for
documenting student participation. These mechanisms may include, but are not limited
to, participating in a weekly discussion board, submitting/completing assignments in the
online platform, or communicating with the instructor.
2. Students aware of necessary absences must inform the professor with as much advance
notice as possible in order to make appropriate arrangements.
3. Any student absent 20 percent or more of the online course, i.e., non-participatory during 3
or more weeks of an 11 week term, may receive an F for that course.
4. Any student who has not actively participated in an online class prior to the census date for
any given term is considered a "no-show" and will be administratively withdrawn from the
class without record. To be counted as actively participating, it is not sufficient to log in and
view the course. The student must be submitting work as described in the course syllabus.
5. Additional attendance and participation policies for each course, as defined by the
instructor in the course syllabus, are considered a part of the attendance policy
Any questions regarding this policy may be directed to the Director of Education.
NOTE: Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper acknowledgment, of the ideas, phrases,
sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or speaker. Plagiarism includes the
unauthorized copying of software and the violation of copyright laws. Students who commit
plagiarism will obtain a grade of “Failure” on their exam or assignment.
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
Course Description (must correspond exactly to Catalog description)
The course introduces the learner to recognized theories & principles that shape the nursing
profession. Various theoretical models will be presented to cultivate and expand an
understanding of nursing processes. The theories will include but not limited to Jean Watson’s
caring theory, Dorothea Orem’s General Theory of Nursing, Beth Neuman’s Systems Model,
Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model and Madeleine Leininger’ Cultural Care Diversity and
Universality theory.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Identify the history of nursing, its current challenges, and future goals.
 Compare and contrast the roles of the Diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN and Doctoral
prepared nurses.
 Discuss expectations specific to Baccalaureate level nursing education.
 Analyze nursing’s areas of challenge in current health care settings.
 Analyze nursing’s image in today’s healthcare systems and the media.
 Use of critical thinking skills in classroom discussions and written assignments.
 Demonstrate knowledge of nursing theories and their application in professional
practice.
 Critical Thinking: Use critical thinking in assessing, planning, testing, and
evaluating the use of nursing theory in approaching patient care problems across a
variety of healthcare settings.
 Holistic Learning: Develop appreciation of the need for personal responsibility
and accountability for self and nursing practice in life-long learning and ongoing
professional growth
Topical Outline and Schedule
DATE
WEEK 1
Describe the course.
SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVES Discuss the library and library resources.
At the end of this course , the student will be able to:
 Identify and define terminology related to theoretical thinking
 Identify and describe several types of theoretical works in
nursing
 Identify and explain the four metaparadigm concepts of nursing
 Begin the process of identifying theoretical frameworks of
nursing that are consistent with a personal belief system
 Explain the rationale for incorporating theory in professional
nursing practice for practice
 Describe the relationship between nursing theory and the nonnursing theories described in this chapter
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NURSING DEPARTMENT

TOPIC (S)
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
WORK &
ASSIGNED
READINGS
Explain the key concepts of the non-nursing theories described
in this chapter
Syllabus
Library Orientation
Theoretical Nursing knowledge as the framework for practice.
READ:
Unit 1:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Theoretical Nursing as the Framework for
Practice
Chapter 2: Introduction to Non-Nursing Theories that have Influenced
Theoretical Thinking in the Discipline of Nursing
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentations
DISCUSSION:
1. What is the primary distinction between a conceptual model and a
theory? How do you differentiate the level of abstraction?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Start organizing thoughts for Concept Analysis paper
ASSESSMENTS:
Discussion post and response
DATE
Week 2
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Identify the 13 canons of nursing as proposed by Nightingale
OBJECTIVES
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
 Nightingale
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Nightingale’s 13
canons of nursing care
 Identify the 14 components of basic nursing care proposed by
Henderson
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Henderson
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Henderson’s
14 components of nursing care
 Explain the 10 carative factors and caritas processes as identified by
Watson
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Watson
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Watson’s theory of
transpersonal caring
 Identify and describe the major concepts included in Benner’s
philosophy
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NURSING DEPARTMENT


TOPIC (S)
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
WORK &
ASSIGNED
READINGS
Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Benner
Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Benner’s philosophy
Nursing Philosophies and Models
Introduction to Nursing Theorists
READ
Unit II:
Chapter 3: Environmental Model of Nursing: Florence Nightingale
Chapter 4: Fourteen Components of Basic Nursing Care: Virginia
Henderson
Chapter 5: Philosophy and Theory of Transpersonal Caring: Jean Watson
Chapter 6: Clinical Wisdom in Nursing Practice: Patricia Benner
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentations
DISCUSSION:
1. Think about the nurses you have observed so far during your clinical
experiences. Have you observed nurses who fit the description of the
advanced beginner or competent nurse? What did you observe that led
to your conclusions?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Continue to work on analysis paper
Quiz 1 covering week 1 and 2
ASSESSMENTS:
Discussion
Quiz will be after the ending of week 1 & 2 Friday.
WEEK 3
SPECIFIC
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
OBJECTIVES
 Identify and explain the seven behavioral subsystems as proposed by
Johnson
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Johnson
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Johnson’s behavioral
system model
 Describe the interacting systems that are identified by King
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by King
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing King’s theory of
goal attainment within the context of King’s interacting systems
framework
 Identify and describe the concepts specific to the science of unitary
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human beings as proposed by Rogers
Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Rogers
Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Rogers’ science of
unitary human beings
 Describe the concepts of the Roy adaptation model as proposed
by Roy
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Roy
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the Roy adaptation
Model
 Describe and explain the major concepts of the Neuman systems
model as proposed by Neuman
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Neuman
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the Neuman systems
Model
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the conservation model
as proposed by Levine
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Levine
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Levine’s conservation
Model
 Identify and explain the three theories associated with the self-care
defined theory of nursing
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Orem
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Orem’s self-care
deficit nursing theory
Conceptual Models
READ:
Unit III:
Chapter 7: Behavioral System Model: Dorothy Johnson
Chapter 8: Interacting Systems Framework and Theory of Goal
Attainment: Imogene King
Chapter 9: Science of Unitary Human Beings: Martha Rogers
Chapter 10: Roy Adaptation Model: Sister Callista Roy
Chapter 11: The Neuman Systems Model: Betty Neuman
Chapter 12: The Conservation Model: Myra Estrin Levine
Chapter 13: Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing: Dorothea Orem


TOPIC (S)
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
WORK &
ASSIGNED
READINGS
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentation
DISCUSSION:
1. What do you think about the version of the nursing process that is
known as the “practice methodology” for the self-care framework?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Concept Analysis Paper due
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
ASSESSMENTS:
Discussion
Concept Analysis paper
DATE
WEEK 4
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Identify and explain the concepts important to the theory of
OBJECTIVES
interpersonal relations as proposed by Peplau
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Peplau
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Peplau’s theory of
interpersonal relations
 Describe the concepts of the theory of culture care diversity and
universality as proposed by Leininger
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Leininger
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Leininger’s theory of
culture care diversity and universality
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the nursing process
theory as proposed by Orlando
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Orlando
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Orlando’s nursing
process theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the health as expanding
consciousness theory as proposed by Newman
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Newman
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Newman’s theory of
health as expanding consciousness
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the health promotion
model as proposed by Pender
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Pender
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Pender’s health
promotion model
Nursing
Theories
TOPIC (S)
LEARNING READ
ACTIVITIES Unit IV
Chapter 14: Theory of Interpersonal Relations: Hildegard Peplau
Chapter 15: Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality:
Madeleine Leininger
Chapter 16 :Nursing Process Theory: Ida Jean Orlando (Pelletier)
Chapter 17:Health as Expanding Consciousness: Margaret Newman
Chapter18 :The Health Promotion Model: Nola J. Pender
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentations
OUTSIDE
DISCUSSION:
1. What do you think about Orlando’s nursing process theory as a
WORK &
ASSIGNED
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
READINGS
framework for practice?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Work on Theory Critique Presentation
Quiz 2 covering weeks 3-4
ASSESSMENTS:
Discussion
Quiz will be after the ending of week 3 & 4 Friday.
DATE
WEEK 5
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Identify and describe the concepts specific to the theory of
OBJECTIVES
human becoming as identified by Parse
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by Parse
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Parse’s theory of
human becoming
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the theory of nursing as
Caring
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
theory of nursing as caring
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the theory of
nursing as caring
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the modeling and rolemodeling theory
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
modeling and role-modeling theory
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the modeling and
role-modeling theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the transitions theory
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as define by Meleis
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the transitions
Theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts proposed in the parent–
child interaction model
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Barnard
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Barnard’s parent–
child interaction model
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the maternal role
attainment—becoming a mother theory as proposed by Mercer
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Mercer
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Mercer’s model
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
TOPIC (S)
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
WORK &
ASSIGNED
READINGS
Nursing Theorists
READ:
Unit V
Chapter 19: Theory of Human becoming
Chapter 20: The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming
Practice
Chapter 21: Modeling and Role-Modeling
Chapter 22: Transitions Theory
Chapter 23: Parent-Child Interaction Model: Kathryn E. Barnard
Chapter 24: Maternal Role Attainment-Becoming a Mother
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentation
DISCUSSION:
1. How is the concept of adaptation in the modeling and role-modeling
theory similar or dissimilar to definitions of adaptation proposed by
other nurse theorists?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Concept Analysis Paper submission
ASSESSMENT:
Paper
Discussion
DATE
WEEK 6
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Identify and describe the major concepts proposed in the parent–
OBJECTIVES
 child interaction model
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Barnard
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Barnard’s parent–
child interaction model
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the maternal role
attainment—becoming a mother theory as proposed by Mercer
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined by
Mercer
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Mercer’s model
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the self-transcendence
theory
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as proposed by Reed
in the self-transcendence theory
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Reed’s selftranscendence theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts as proposed by Swanson in
the theory of caring
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in
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





TOPIC (S)
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
WORK &
ASSIGNED
READINGS
Swanson’s theory of caring
Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the theory of caring
Identify and describe the major concepts of the theory of comfort
Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
theory of comfort
Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Kolcaba’s theory of
Comfort
Identify and describe the major concepts of the postpartum
depression theory
Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
postpartum depression theory
Middle-Range Theories
READ:
Unit V ( Chapter 25-32)
Chapter 25:Self-Transcendence Theory: Pamela G. Reed
Chapter 26:Theory of Chronic Sorrow: Georgene Gaskill Eakes,
Mary Lermann Burke, and Margaret A. Hainsworth
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentation
DISCUSSIONS:
1. Compare Swanson’s definition of caring to other theorists’ definitions
of this concept. What are the similarities? What are the differences?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Discussion
Theory Critique Presentation due
ASSESSMENTS
Discussion
Theory Critique Presentation
DATE
WEEK 7
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Beck’s postpartum
OBJECTIVES
depression theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the uncertainty in illness
theory
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
uncertainty in illness theory
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Mishel’s uncertainty
in illness theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the theory of
bureaucratic caring
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
theory of bureaucratic caring
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



TOPIC (S)
LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
WORK &
ASSIGNED
READINGS
Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Ray’s theory of
bureaucratic caring
Identify and explain the major concepts of the Synergy Model for
Patient Care
Describe the major concepts important to nursing as defined by the
Synergy Model for Patient Care
Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the Synergy Model
for Patient Care
Chapter 27: Theory of Caring: Kristen M. Swanson
Chapter 28: Theory of Comfort: Katharine Kolcaba
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentation
DISCUSSION:
1. In the theory of bureaucratic caring, Ray does not specifically address
the nursing process. Does this pose a problem for use of the model in
practice? Why or why not?
ASSIGNMENTS:
Theory Utilization and Application paper assigned
Quiz 3 covering weeks 5-7
ASSESSMENTS:
Quiz will be after the ending of week 5-7 Friday.
Discussion
DATE
WEEK 8
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the postpartum
OBJECTIVES
depression theory
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
postpartum depression theory
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Beck’s postpartum
depression theory
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the uncertainty in illness
theory
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
uncertainty in illness theory
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Mishel’s uncertainty
 in illness theory
Chapter 29: Postpartum Depression Theory: Cheryl Tatano Beck
TOPIC (S)
Chapter 30:Uncertainty in Illness Theory: Merle H. Mishel
LEARNING
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ACTIVITIES
VIEW
Online Lesson Presentation
ASSIGNMENTS:
Continue working on paper
DATE
WEEK 9
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVES
 Identify and describe the major concepts of the theory of
bureaucratic caring
 Explain the major concepts important to nursing as defined in the
theory of bureaucratic caring
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing Ray’s theory of
bureaucratic caring
 Identify and explain the major concepts of the Synergy Model for
Patient Care
 Describe the major concepts important to nursing as defined by the
Synergy Model for Patient Care
 Plan nursing care for a patient scenario utilizing the Synergy Model
 for Patient Care
Chapter 31:Theory of Bureaucratic Caring: Marilyn Anne Ray
TOPIC (S)
Chapter 32: Synergy Model for Patient Care: The American
Association of Critical-Care Nurses
LEARNING VIEW
ACTIVITIES Online Lesson Presentation
DATE
WEEK 10
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
SPECIFIC
 Identify an area of interest in nursing
OBJECTIVES
 Locate examples of the theory’s application and utilization in practice
 Explain the opportunities for enhancement of existing nursing
environments
Theory Utilization and Application
TOPIC (S)
LEARNING Theory Utilization and Application Paper
ACTIVITIES
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf
Instructional Methods
The following strategies may be used in this class:
1. Assignments
2. Reading
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3.
4.
5.
6.
Analysis of assigned readings.
PowerPoints, videos
Individual and group discussions.
Online information search
References and Resources
IHP Virtual Library
Login to the IHP Virtual Library at http://www.lirn.net, access code 40149 to
online books, journals, and other reference resources selected to support IHP curricula.
Medline Plus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Health information from the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Easy
access to Medline and Health topics, medical dictionaries, directories, drug information, videos
and more.
PALM BEACH COUNTY LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES
You need a free Palm Beach County Library card to access, or register for a free “Temporary
Research Access Code” at http://edb.pbclibrary.org/TRAC/
If you need help using any of the library websites, click on the
“Ask a Librarian” icon and “chat” with a librarian.
Consumer Health
http://www.pbclibrary.org/health.htm
CINAHL® with Full Text - full text articles for more than 610 nursing and allied health journals
(and indexing for an additional 3000 journals) as well as health care books, nursing
dissertations, selected conference proceedings, and more.
http://www.pbclibrary.org/databases/
LearningExpress - (Practice Tests) Contains online learning with skill building modules, test
preparation materials and practice exams; including test preparation E-books. Take practice
tests for Health Careers, Radiography, Registered Medical Assistant and NCLEX-RN for
Nursing. Learn techniques for job searching , resumes, interviewing and workplace skills.
http://www.pbclibrary.org/databases/
Health and Wellness Resource Center http://www.pbclibrary.org/databases/
Assignments and Projects
All students are expected to actively participate in online class discussions. Participation in
weekly online discussions of course content is expected as topics are introduced and as applied
to assigned readings. Each discussion question posted will be assigned a date by which the
student must respond. If a student is unable to fulfill this requirement for any reason, he/she
should notify the instructor prior to the class and make alternative arrangements. The aim is to
encourage interaction among students and faculty, not simply to present information. Students
are required to respond to all discussion questions. Student responses to discussion questions
must be substantive, that is, thoughtful and analytical. The student is held to academic standards
of writing style and the use of proper grammar, punctuation and spelling.
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Grade points for postings to the course discussion board are based on the student’s depth of
participation. The final grade for class participation will be dependent on the level at which the
student generally participates throughout the semester.
Discussion Board points are assigned as follows:
•
Excellent – 10 points
•
Good – 9 points
•
Average – 7 -8 points
•
Poor – 0 points
Grading rubric for postings:
1) An excellent posting includes but is not limited to:
•
In depth response to assigned discussion question.
•
Additional responses to required number of assigned responses. Responses
demonstrate in-depth understanding and knowledge citing/utilizing class materials, resources,
and personal experiences (if applicable).
2) A good posting includes but is not limited to:
• Response to assigned discussion question
• Response to required number of response postings demonstrating an understanding
of the discussion topic.
3) An average posting includes but is not limited to:
• Response to assigned discussion question
• Responses to postings superficial, lack substance/support from readings,
exercises, etc.
4) A poor response does not meet any of the above criteria.
Concept Analysis Paper (20%)
This purpose of this paper is to analyze a concept relevant to the student's nursing practice. The
student is to select a concept to analyze. There are many methods for concept development and
several are included in the required readings. Use of exemplars by the instructor and peer
discussion on concept analysis will be incorporated in to the class to assist the student in the
development of this paper. The criteria for evaluation is located at the end of this syllabus. The
maximum length of this paper is to be no more than 12 typed, double spaced pages (not
including references or appendices) using APA format. Paper submitted after the due date will
be deducted 5 points per day.
Theory Critique Presentation (20%)
Students will select a middle range theory of nursing or a non-nursing middle range theory.
The presentation is to include a description, analysis, application, and evaluation of the theory.
The presentation should be no longer than 20-25 minutes in length, if you were to present it
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in class. Guidelines are located at the end of this syllabus. Online resources and technology are
used for the virtual presentation. Student in the course will be expected to review and critique the
presentations.
Theory Utilization and Application Paper (20%)
Using the theory selected for the presentation, the student is expected to identify an area of
interest in nursing, locate examples of the theory's application and utilization in practice.
Additionally, opportunities for enhancement of existing nursing environments by utilization of
theory application will addressed. The guidelines for this paper are located at the end of the
syllabus. The paper should be no more than ten typewritten pages, using appropriate APA
format.
Concept Analysis Paper - Guidelines and Grading Criteria (12 pages maximum length)
A. Select a concept for analysis and identify aim of the analysis
5%
B. Identify uses of the concept - Literature review
You will examine the use of the concept in at least two disciplines other than nursing and the use
of the concept in nursing and your own nursing experience. Definitions that are included should
be analyzed. The literature is focused on how each discipline uses/studies the word/concept, what
conditions must be present for the concept to occur, and what the outcomes of the concept
are. Summary of the literature review should also compare and contrast the antecedents, critical
attributes, and consequences you considered.
40
Demonstration of analysis and synthesis is essential.
(Remember this part of the paper is worth 40% of your grade, therefore, you should have a
substantive literature review for this paper. Literature includes but is not limited to articles,
book and textbooks citations, research articles/studies, personal experiences, and personal
communications.)
C. Determine antecedents, essential/critical attributes, and consequences of the concept.
The rationale for the selection of these must be included. This discussion should also include the
rationale for excluding any of the characteristics identified in the literature review. Any characteristics
you synthesize into more abstract terms needs to be discussed. This section reflects analysis and
synthesis of the information you obtained during the review of literature.
30
D. Develop cases using identified attributes
15

Model
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
contrary, borderline, related, invented, and/or illegitimate (select at least two)
Developing cases will demonstrate your understanding of what the concept is or is not. Cases should be
logical, true to the essential/critical attributes, and adequately explain the concept.
E. Define empirical referents
Do the empirical referents "fit" with the attributes? Should be supported by the literature or make logical 5%
sense.
F. Implications for nursing
5%
TOTAL
A maximum total of 5 points will be deducted for APA errors.
10
If the paper is longer than the maximum allowable pages, the grade will be based upon the first 12
pages, not including the title page)
Theory Critique Presentation - Guidelines and Grading Criteria
This presentation will be evaluated upon a 20-25 minute timeframe
Section
Meaning
Description




Origins of the
theory




Describe the main ideas of the theory (should include the
assumptions under which the theory operates). (5 points)
What are the main concepts (5 points)
What are the main relationships between the concepts
How do different concepts affect each other?
What was going on in the profession of nursing or in
American society that may have influenced the theory?
What values, theories, evidence, and/or existing
knowledge did the theorist cite as support for the theory?
What motivated the theorist to write the theory?
What approach to theory development did the theorist use?
Points
15
10
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Usefulness




Testability:




Overall
Evaluation
Presentation
How useful is this theory in practice?
Is the theory practical and helpful to nursing
Does it contribute to understanding and predicting
outcomes?
Cite an example/case study where this theory could be
used
How testable is this theory?
Has this theory generated research? How many and what
types of studies?
Give one example of a study done using the theory (10
points)
What types of statements are the propositions?




Is the theory comprehensive, specific, or
How generalizable is the theory?
Summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the theory
Why would you use or not use this theory in your own
advanced practice?



Smooth flow in presentation
Varied use of presentation methods/styles
Creativity in presentation used to engage audience in
thinking about the theory
Compliance with time limit (20-25 minutes in length)

15
20
10
20
Handout should include but is not limited to the following:
Handout
(limit to one
page – front
and back)




Includes main ideas of the theory.
Assumptions of the theorist
Summarizes major concepts and relationships
Includes information to retrieve a primary source.
Handout should assist audience to follow the presentation more
easily, and use as a resource for future use.
Total Points
10
100
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
Theory Usage and Application Paper - Guidelines and Grading Criteria
In this paper, you will describe a nursing theory and its application to nursing practice. This
paper should be no more than 10 pages long. It should coincide to the theory presentation that
you have submitted. The focus of this paper is on the application of theory to nursing practice.
A brief description of the components of the theory should be presented in this paper, however,
since this should be done in your presentation the focus here will be on application. The
proposed guidelines are based on Chinn and Kramer (2004).
A. Components of the theory



Major concepts of theory
Philosophical basis/underpinnings; worldview
Conceptual model (if available)
10%
B. Structural aspects of the theory (including but not limited to)




Assumptions, theorems, propositions, etc.
relations of concepts and assumptions
clarity, simplicity, and ease of application of theory
consistency and adequacy of theory
10%
C. Use of theory in:




nursing practice
nursing education
nursing administration
nursing research
40%
A literature review will provide the basis for this section
D. Identify an area of your practice where this theory could be applicable.





The area may be used to theory test, theory generate, etc.
What is the question that the theory will help to answer?
Describe the area of interest in relationship to the theory/theoretical model.
Why or how is it appropriate to use this theory.
Discuss the use of theory in pursuing this area of interest. What are the steps
/methods that you might use?
Are there weaknesses in this theory that make it difficult to use in real
situations? If so, what are they.
30%
E. Evaluation of theory - your thoughts about the theory


How "user friendly" is the theory?
What are some of the difficulties you encountered or would you anticipate you
10%
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NURSING DEPARTMENT

might encounter in trying to use this theory.
What would make this theory more usable or applicable to practice, and why?
Total
100%
A maximum of 5 points will be deducted for errors in APA.
Additional Resources
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
75 – 79%
< 75%
A
B
C
F
Do not count on a curve!
Generally, the grades “A” through “C-” are considered passing grades. Grades "W" and "I" indicate that
no grades were earned for the course. A "W" grade indicates that the student withdrew from the course. An
"I" grade indicates that the student was passing the course, but failed to complete all the required course
work. The instructor, in his/her discretion may grant an "I" grade instead of an "F", pending completion of
the course work by the student within a specified time arranged by the instructor and told to the student. It
is the student's responsibility to follow-up with the instructor to complete the course work. If the course
work is not completed by the arranged time, the “I” grade becomes an “F".
Distribution of Grade Elements
Discussions
20%
Concept Analysis
20%
Theory Critique Presentation
20%
Theory Utilization and Application Paper
20%
Quizzes
20%
Total:
100 %
Date Syllabus Was Last Reviewed: May 14, 2015
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NURSING DEPARTMENT
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