Nursing theory across curricula: a status report from Midwest nursing schools

This article reports on an informal survey conducted for the Theory Development Section of the Midwest Nursing Research Society. Its purposes were to describe current practices in teaching nursing theory at three levels of curricula and to compare these practices between nursing programs in liberal arts colleges and research universities, between schools with and without doctoral programs, and between faculty with nursing and nonnursing doctorates who teach nursing theory. Findings indicate greatest consistency of practices at baccalaureate and doctoral levels, though few baccalaureate programs have required courses in nursing theory. Few differences were found between types of schools, but faculty with nursing doctorates tended to emphasize theory-practice linkages at the baccalaureate level. Further study that uses this work as a platform is suggested.