Course: NRSG 750 Theories for Practice I: Individual, Family and Group

Semester: Fall 2006

Credit Hours: 2

Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate nursing program or consent of instructor

Faculty:

Leonie Pallikkathayil, RN, DNS
3065 School of Nursing
Phone (913) 588-3351
Fax (913) 588-1660
Email lpallikk@kumc.edu
Office Hours by Appointment

Required Texts:

• McEwen, M. & Wills, E.M.. (2007) Theoretical basis for nursing. New York: Lippincott
• Sampson, E.E. and Marthas, M. (1990). Group process for the health professions. New York: Delmar.
• Friedman, M. (2003). Family nursing: Research, theory and practice (5th. ed.). Norwalk, Connecticut: Appleton-Century Crofts.
• Journal reading assignments and the directions to access them are listed in the corresponding units.
• You may order your books online from KUMC Bookstore by clicking on the link.

Course Description:

The basic elements of theory, theory development, and critique are discussed. Theories as they relate to health and human functioning of individual, family and group client systems across the life span are explored. Examples of grand, middle-range, and practice level theory from nursing and related disciplines are examined. In addition, developmental, structural, functional, and interactional theories and related research data are analyzed and critiqued. These theories from nursing and related disciplines are used as a guide for therapeutic nursing interventions.

Course Objectives:

1. Discuss the basic elements of theory and processes of theory development.
2. Describe the concepts of health, environment, client system, and nursing as they relate to the development of a body of knowledge to guide the art and science of nursing.
3. Discuss ethical considerations in theory development and in the application of theory to client systems.
4. Analyze and critique concepts and theories using designated criteria.
5. Apply selected theories to the analysis of individual, family, and group client systems and their environments.

Content Outline:

1. Introduction to Theory and Knowledge Development
1. Terminology
2. Purposes of Theory
   1. Practice
   2. Education
   3. Research
3. Body of Knowledge
   1. Metaparadigm
   2. Grand Nursing Theories
   3. Middle-Range and Practice Theories
4. Concept Analysis
5. Ethics and Theory Development
2. Analysis of Theory
   1. Criteria for evaluating theory
   2. Choice of appropriate criteria
   3. Classification of Theory
      1. Systems
      2. Developmental
      3. Structural/Functional
      4. Interactional
      5. Others
3. Family and Group Theories and Concepts
   1. Definition of Family and Related Concepts
   2. Types of Family Theories
   3. Definition of Group and Related Concepts
   4. Types of Group Theories
4. Application of Exemplar Theories in Nursing
   1. Theory and Research Link
   2. Theory and Practice Link
   3. Theory and Education Link
   4. Theory Development Exemplars

    

Course Methodology:

This course will use a number of teaching/learning modalities:

• Readings from required texts and journal articles
• Unit study questions and terminology
• Individual learning activities
• Group learning activities
• Computerized library search to facilitate completion of written concept analysis paper. Order library materials at Archie Dykes Library.
• Evaluation of theory and research articles
• Electronic mail exchange
• Discussion
• Student paper/presentations

Course Evaluation & Grading Scale:

A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69

Criteria for Evaluation of Course Components

Concept Analysis Paper (40%) Due 12-1-06

Critique of Theory (40%) Due 10-9-06

Individual Unit Activities (20%) Due as indicated in description of each activity

Group Discussions (See N751 Threaded Discussion Grading Criteria). Due dates indicated in descriptions.

Profits

View KU SON's Professional Integrity System description and how it applies in NRSG750/751

ADA

Learning assistance, academic performance enhancement, and psychological services at KUMC are free, confidential, and available at Student Counseling & Educational Support Services by calling 913-588-6580 or visiting G116 Student Center.

Any student in this course who needs an accommodation because of a disability in order to complete the course requirements should contact the instructor or the Equal Opportunity / Disability Specialist (913-588-7813, TDD 913-588-7963) as soon as possible.

Work Submission

Send yourself a copy of any work you are submitting to me. In the event I did not get your work on time, you then will have proof of having sent it on time and can resend it instead of having to redo it.