Margaret Newman's Nursing Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly examines Margaret Newman's history, including the development of her health as expanding consciousness theory. The paper also examines the basic tenets of the theory and discusses two examples of expanding consciousness in nursing practice. Finally, the paper compares and contrasts Newman's theory with that of Martha Rogers' unitary theory.

Table of Contents:
Margaret Newman
The Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness
A Critique of Newman's Theory
Newman's Theory and Rogers' Unitary Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Newman's theory is not particularly accessible to most people in or out of the nursing profession. Neither is it particularly congruent with reality. Referring back to McKenna, this theory does not appear to be a nursing theory as such, because it does not treat nursing as a unique profession (1997, p. 234). McKenna discusses the analysis of 62 nursing theories in terms of how their internal validity would stand up to testing. Of the 62 theories, McKenna indicates that only nine reached adequate levels of empirical testing. In the case of a grand theory such as Newman's empirical testing is difficult at best; it would seem unlikely that sufficient testing could be done to test its validity. In summation, then, while Newman's abstract theory may produce some basis for discussion, as a nursing theory its practical use is negligible."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Jonsdottir, H., Litchfield, M., & Pharris, M. D. (2004). The relational core of nursing practice as partnership. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 47(3), 241-250.
• McKenna, H. (1997). Nursing theories and models.
• McQuiston, C. M., & Webb, A. A. (1995). Foundations of nursing theory: Contributions of 12 key theorists. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications
• Sitzman, K. & Eichlberger, L. W. (2004). Understanding the work of nurse theorists: A creative beginning. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. London: Routledge.
• Van Sell, S. L., & Kalofissudis, I. A. (2001). The evolving essence of the science of nursing: A complexity integration nursing theory. Retrieved June 11, 2007, from http://www.nursing.gr/Complexitytheory.pdf

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