Borrowed Theories in Nursing

Borrowed theories in nursing refer to theories or concepts that are drawn from other disciplines and applied to the field of nursing. These theories are used to explain and guide nursing practice, research, and education. In other words, they are theories or ideas that have been developed in other fields, but have been adopted and modified to fit the unique needs and context of nursing. Borrowed theories play a crucial role in the evolution and development of the nursing profession by providing nurses with a broader perspective and a larger pool of knowledge to draw from.

What are Borrowed Theories in Nursing?

The use of borrowed theories in nursing has been a topic of debate among nurse scholars and theorists for many years. Some argue that nursing should have its own unique theories and should not rely on theories from other disciplines. However, others believe that theories from other fields have contributed significantly to the advancement of nursing knowledge. They argue that borrowing theories from other disciplines is necessary to address the complex and diverse needs of patients and to keep up with the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

One of the most commonly borrowed theories in nursing is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943, this theory suggests that human beings have a hierarchy of needs that must be met in a specific order to achieve optimal well-being. The hierarchy includes physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Nurses have applied this theory to understand and meet the needs of their patients, regardless of their healthcare setting.

For instance, nurses working in acute care settings might focus on meeting the physiological and safety needs of their patients, such as providing pain relief and monitoring vital signs. On the other hand, nurses working in long-term care facilities might focus on meeting the love and belonging needs of their patients, such as providing social support and creating a sense of community. This theory has been widely used in nursing to guide patient care and has led to the development of interventions aimed at meeting the different needs of patients.

Another common borrowed theory in nursing is the social ecological model. This theory, developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, emphasizes the interactions between individuals and their environment. Nurses have applied this theory to understand the impact of social and environmental factors on health and well-being. For instance, nurses working in community health might use this model to assess the social and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities and develop interventions aimed at promoting health and preventing illness.

The social learning theory is another borrowed theory that has been widely used in nursing. This theory, developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, suggests that individuals learn through observation, imitation, and social interactions. Nurses have applied this theory to understand and promote healthy behaviors among individuals and communities. For example, nurses working in health education programs might use this theory to develop health promotion interventions that focus on role modeling and social support to facilitate behavior change.

Other borrowed theories commonly used in nursing include systems theory, communication theory, and stress and coping theory. Systems theory, developed by biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy, emphasizes the interdependence and interactions between different parts of a system. Nurses have used this theory to understand the complex and dynamic nature of healthcare systems and how changes in one part of the system can affect the entire system.

Communication theory, developed by sociologist George Gerbner, focuses on how individuals communicate and the impact of communication on relationships and behavior. Nurses have applied this theory to understand and improve communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Stress and coping theory, developed by psychiatrist Richard Lazarus, offers a framework for understanding how individuals perceive and respond to stress. Nurses have applied this theory to support patients and families in coping with stress and to develop interventions aimed at promoting resilience and well-being.

In conclusion, borrowed theories play an essential role in nursing by providing nurses with a diverse and comprehensive set of tools to meet the complex needs of patients. These theories are not meant to replace nursing theories but rather to complement and expand the nursing knowledge base. By borrowing theories from other disciplines, nurses are better equipped to provide holistic, patient-centered care and to address the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities. As the field of nursing continues to evolve, the use of borrowed theories will remain crucial in advancing the profession and improving patient outcomes.

By Wilfax Wallace in Blog on February 19, 2024