Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Theory and Theorizing in Nursing Science: Commentary from the Nursing Research Special Issue Editorial Team
Nalini N Jairath1, Cynthia J Peden-McAlpine, Mary C Sullivan
1Nalini N. Jairath, PhD, RN, is Editorial Board Member, Nursing Research, and Associate Professor, School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Cynthia J. Peden-McAlpine, PhD, ACNS, BC, is Editorial Board Member, Nursing Research, and Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Mary C. Sullivan, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Editorial Board Member, Nursing Research, and Professor, College of Nursing, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston. Judith A. Vessey, PhD, RN, DPNP, MBA, FAAN, is Editorial Board Member, Nursing Research, and Leila Holden Carroll Endowed Professor in Nursing, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Susan J. Henly, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Editor Emerita, Nursing Research, and Professor Emerita, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Background:
Articles from three landmark symposia on theory for nursing-published in Nursing Research in 1968-1969-served as a key underpinning for the development of nursing as an academic discipline. The current special issue on Theory and Theorizing in Nursing Science celebrates the 50th anniversary of publication of these seminal works in nursing theory.
Objective:
The purpose of this commentary is to consider the future of nursing theory development in light of articles published in the anniversary issue.
Approach:
The Editorial Team for the special issue identified core questions about continued nursing theory development, as related to the nursing metaparadigm, practice theory, big data, and doctoral education. Using a dialogue format, the editors discussed these core questions.
Discussion:
The classic nursing metaparadigm (health, person, environment, nursing) was viewed as a continuing unifying element for the discipline but is in need of revision in today's scientific and practice climates. Practice theory and precision healthcare jointly arise from an emphasis on individualization. Big data and the methods of e-science are challenging the assumptions on which nursing theory development was originally based. Doctoral education for nursing scholarship requires changes to ensure that tomorrow's scholars are prepared to steward the discipline by advancing (not reifying) past approaches to nursing theory.
Conclusion:
Ongoing reexamination of theory is needed to clarify the domain of nursing, guide nursing science and practice, and direct and communicate the unique and essential contributions of nursing science to the broader health research effort and of nursing to healthcare.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Interventions I: Taxonomy of Nursing Interventions
A nursing intervention is a treatment or action based on scientific concepts and knowledge from the nursing, behavioral, and physical sciences. Identifying and prioritizing nursing interventions based on the desired outcome...
Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
Nursing Evaluation
Nursing Clinical Information System
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
Aims Of Nursing
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.

