Why there cannot be an international theory of nursing

Theory development in nursing is being increasingly emphasized by nursing theorists who continue to propose new assumptions, principles and conceptual models. With such enthusiastic interest in theoretical discussions, the time seems ideal to propose a theory for nursing that could be applicable internationally, namely that it could be applied across national and cultural boundaries. Such a theory, however, is not possible, says JonnaLynn Mandelbaum. Below, she explains why not.