unique purposes of nursing. This enhances auton-
omy, and accountability and responsibility are de-
fined and supported. The domain of nursing is also
called the “metaparadigm of nursing,” as described
in the previous section of this chapter.
Syntactical and Conceptual Structures
Syntactical and conceptual structures are essential
to the discipline and are inherent in each of the
nursing theories. The conceptual structure delin-
eates the proper concerns of nursing, guides what is
to be studied, and clarifies accepted ways of know-
ing and using content of the discipline. This struc-
ture is grounded in the metaparadigm and
philosophies of nursing. The conceptual structure
relates concepts within nursing theories, and it is
from this structure that we learn what is and what
is not nursing. The syntactical structures help
nurses and other professionals understand the tal-
ents, skills, and abilities that must be developed
within the community. This structure directs de-
scriptions of data needed from research as well as
evidence required to demonstrate the impact of
nursing practice.
In addition, these structures guide nursing’s use
of knowledge, research, and practice approaches
developed by related disciplines. It is only by being
thoroughly grounded in the discipline’s concepts,
substance, and modes of inquiry that the bound-
aries of the discipline, however tentative, can be un-
derstood and possibilities for creativity across
interdisciplinary borders can be created and ex-
plored.
Specialized Language and Symbols
As nursing theory has evolved, so has the need for
concepts, language, and forms of data that reflect
new ways of thinking and knowing in nursing. The
complex concepts used in nursing scholarship and
practice require language that can be used and un-
derstood. The language of nursing theory facilitates
communication among members of the discipline.
Expert knowledge of the discipline is often required
for full understanding of the meaning of special
terms.
Heritage of Literature and Networks
of Communication
This attribute calls attention to the array of books,
periodicals, artifacts, and aesthetic expressions, as
well as audio, visual, and electronic media that have
developed over centuries to communicate the na-
ture and development of nursing. Conferences and
other forums on every aspect of nursing and for
nurses of all interests occur frequently throughout
the world. Nursing organizations and societies also
provide critical communication links. Nursing the-
ories form the bases for many of the major contri-
butions to the literature, conferences, societies, and
other communication networks of the nursing dis-
cipline.
Tradition
The tradition and history of the nursing discipline
is evident in study of nursing theories that have
been developed over time. There is recognition that
theories most useful today often have threads of
connection with theoretical developments of past
years. For example, many theorists have acknowl-
edged the influence of Florence Nightingale and
have acclaimed her leadership in influencing nurs-
ing theories of today. In addition, nursing has a rich
heritage of practice. Nursing’s practical experience
and knowledge have been shared, transformed into
content of the discipline, and are evident in the
work of many nursing theorists (Gray & Pratt,
1991).
Values and Beliefs
Nursing has distinctive views of persons and strong
commitments to compassionate and knowledge-
able care of persons through nursing. Nurses often
express their love and passion for nursing. Nurses
in small groups and in larger nursing organizations
express values, hopes, and dreams for the future of
their discipline and offer recognition of and appre-
ciation for achievements in the field. The state-
ments of values and beliefs are expressed in the
philosophies of nursing that are essential under-
pinnings of theoretical developments in the disci-
pline.
Systems of Education
Nursing holds the stature and place of a discipline
of knowledge and professional practice within in-
stitutions of higher education because of the
grounding of articulated nursing theories that have
set forth the unique contribution of nursing to
human affairs. A distinguishing mark of any disci-
pline is the education of future and current mem-
bers of the community. Nursing theories, by setting
directions for the substance and methods ofCHAPTER 1 Introduction to Nursing Theory 9