Assessment 1 – Part 1 Nursing Theories 1. Introduction: • Select a nursing theory • Briefly describe the theory. • Identify when the theory was introduced, by whom and the concepts behind the theory....

Assessment 1 – Part 1
Nursing Theories
1.    Introduction:

•    Select a nursing theory

•    Briefly describe the theory.
•    Identify when the theory was introduced, by whom and the concepts behind the theory.

2.    Body:

Analyse the theory and explain either how it could be applied to a clinical setting in which you have worked or how it is currently used in the clinical setting.
(Analyse means to look at both the good and bad points and compare them).  For example, if you chose a theory based on holistic nursing you need to analyse how this applies in your current clinical practice (don’t forget to include references). You should give examples of how it applies to nursing practice.  You may use the word “I” in this assignment as per the example below.
3.    Conclusion:

Sum up your discussion and evaluate your chosen theory – how effective is it?



Example of applying a theory to current nursing practice below:

Although over 50 years old, Abdellah’s theories are still evident in the workplace today.  For example, Abdellah focused on four major concepts – nursing, the person, health, society and the environment (Reference). This is a holistic approach which is endorsed by many Australian hospitals and the World Health Organisation (WHO) (reference). The patient is looked at as a “whole” person and as nurses today we not only fix up the “health” issue but identify and assist with their social environment and any psychological issues.  An example of this in my current workplace is how we begin discharge planning from day one of entering hospital.  A recent patient I cared for was very stressed that their husband would be unable to cook for himself whilst she was in hospital.  The stress was affecting her health and she could not rest. Gore (2010) identified that stress affects all body systems and can cause a delay in healing. I organised for “Meals on Wheels” to be delivered to her husband until the wife’s return.
The suggested word count for this part of the assessment is 600 words.
Your essay should review and critically analyse topical issues identified in recent articles that are relevant to this topic and be referenced using the APA Referencing system. Any submission not referenced will be required to resubmit.

Assessment 1 – Part 2


This part of the assessment is asking you to question your own nursing practice in a critical way so that

you can take action and learn through reflection how to provide safe and effective nursing care.


1.    Describe the differences between critical thinking, creative thinking and problem solving from a nursing perspective.


2.    Identify and apply the characteristics of problem solving to the steps of the nursing process and development of nursing care plans.

You can use an event from your nursing career whilst on clinical placement or at a health facility where you have worked that involved the care of a patient.

Describe the situation or issue and then show how you were able to use a problem solving approach through the nursing process to address this issue or problem.

How did you develop or modify the patient’s nursing care plan to reflect the care required to meet their needs on this occasion.
Were there any age or gender issues for your patient and what cultural or religious considerations did you need to address in this situation.