Theoretic explorations of human care and economics: foundations of nursing administration practice

This article presents a theoretic model that identifies the philosophies, theories, and concepts that influence the practice of nursing administration. Components of the model include philosophy, organizational theory, nursing theory, economics, and human care. An understanding of the model components allows the nursing administrator to approach his or her role with a deeper understanding of the complexities of being a nursing leader in an organizational setting. An empirical study was conducted that led to modifications of the theoretic model to reflect the current practice of nursing administration. The revised model is intended to serve as an integrative model for the practice of nursing administration.