About This Page
Nursing theories are theoretical frameworks that aim to explain the nursing profession. They are typically divided into three categories (click for examples):
- Grand TheoriesThese look at nursing from a broad perspective and are applicable to all areas of the profession. They can provide useful insights into nursing practice, but are not designed for empirical testing.
- Middle Range TheoriesThese focus more narrowly on specific aspects of the profession. They bridge the gap between Grand Theories and Nursing Practice Theories.
- Nursing Practice TheoriesThese are developed for use within specific nursing situations. They focus on nursing interventions and the impact of nursing practice.
Off-Campus Access
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beside a link indicates this is an online library resource. When you click on the resource link from off-campus you'll be redirected to a login page. Login using your MacID and password to access the content.
History of Nursing
Starting Points
These textbook-style resources are a great starting point for learning about different nursing theories/theorists!
Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing by Call Number: WY 86 .W181S 2019Publication Date: 2018
Contemporary Nursing Knowledge by Call Number: WY 86 .F278C 2013Publication Date: 2012eBook - Online access
Nursing Theories: The Base for Professional Nursing Practice by Call Number: WY 86 .N9755 2011Publication Date: 2011
Searching CINAHL
A number of subject terms in CINAHL 
(Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) will lead you to academic journal articles covering nursing theory/theorists. If you have specific theory/theorist in mind:
- Search for "nursing models, theoretical", ensuring that the Suggest Subject Terms option is selected.
- Click on the subject term ("nursing models, theoretical") to reveal narrower terms covering specific nursing theories (e.g. Henderson Nursing Model, Nueman Systems Model, etc).
- Use the checkbox to select the theory/theorist of interest and add it to your search history.
- Add supplementary subject terms or keywords to narrow your search further (View an example)
If you don't have a specific nursing theory in mind, try using some of these more general subject terms to start your search:
- nursing theory
- philosophy, nursing
- nursing as profession
- nursing practice, theory based
See our CINAHL tutorial for tips on combining these broad subject terms with more precise keywords.
Free Online Resources
- Nursing Theories - currentnursing.comA collection of class notes and handouts on various aspects of nursing theory. Includes a series of nursing theory quizzes to test your knowledge.
- Nursing-Theory.orgContains a wealth of information on theories, theorists, and famous nurses, as well as links to articles covering current topics within the profession.
- Nursing History - University of PennsylvaniaContains background information on the the nursing profession throughout history (including the development of specific nursing theories).
