Conceptual Theory in Nursing

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses nursing theorists, Walker and Avant's conceptual theory in nursing. Specifically, the paper details eight steps to a more effective concept analysis of "screening" for nurses in theory and practice. It describes the relevance of each step and the ways that they should be implemented for the most successful screening and treatment.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Step 1
Selecting a concept
"Screening"
Step 2
Purpose Or Aims Of The Concept
Step 3
Identify Uses Of The Concept
Step 4
Determine the Defining Attributes
Step 5
Identify A Model Case
Step 6
Examine Other Cases
Step 7
Identify Antecedents and Consequences
Step 8
Define Empirical Referents

From the Paper:

"An "invented" case of such a problematic screening, however, one that may or may not contain ideas outside of the experience of many nurses, however, might be that of a mother who brought her infant in for a routine screening by a pediatrician, and who volunteered to the nurse, without the prompting of a screening, the fact that she was depressed or had trouble coping. Then, if the nurse broached the subject in a more formal fashion, according to some of the language that is used to characterize the physical and emotional problems of screening for postpartum depression, the mother might reject such a diagnostic inquiry. This is problematic, because the nurse may or may not be qualified to make such a psychological assessment, even though she, by virtue of her position, might be led to believe that the woman is suffering from postpartum depression."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Henshaw, Carol & Sandra Elliott. (2005) Screening for perinatal depression. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2005
• Hodges, B., & P. Jones. (1997) Introduction: Hodges' Health Career Model. Last updated: 12/27/2005. Retrieved 10 February 2006 < http://www.p-jones.demon.co.uk/intro-hcm.htm>.
• Keller, Stefan. (May 2003) "Ten tips for developing an RFP for employee-screening services." Nursing Homes.
• Kruizenga, H. & M. Van Tulder, J. Seidell, A. Thijs, H. Ader, M. Van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren. (Nov 2005) "Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early screening and treatment of malnourished patients." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 82(5): 1082-1089.
• Lamb, Margaret Anne. (Jan-Mar 1998) "Concept analysis of relating: A human response pattern." Nursing Diagnosis. Retrieved 10 February 2006 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3836/is_199801/ai_n8795280

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