What is a nursing theory?

A nursing theory is fundamentally defined as a set of concepts and propositions that offers a systematic framework for understanding and guiding nursing practice. It serves as a foundation for nursing knowledge and informs how nurses approach patient care, making it essential for both education and practice within the field. By providing clear guidelines and perspectives, nursing theories help to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and generate evidence for effective interventions.

These theories can influence various aspects of nursing, including decision-making, care models, and the overall philosophy of nursing. They help practitioners view patient care holistically, considering not just physical health but also emotional and social factors, which are pivotal in providing comprehensive care.

The other choices do not encapsulate the essence of nursing theory as they focus on unrelated areas. Administrative tasks may benefit from guidelines, but they do not reflect the core conceptual framework of nursing practice. The development of new medications pertains more to pharmacology and research rather than nursing theory itself. Lastly, a historical overview of nursing practices provides context but does not constitute a theoretical framework for current practice.