Marlaine C. Smith, Editor
I’m happy to announce that the 6th edition of Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice, published by F.A. Davis, has been released. This book was originally edited by Marilyn Parker (2000; 2005). I joined her to co-edit the 3rd and 4th editions (2010, 2015) and edited the 5th and 6th editions alone (2020, 2025). The book is known for its focus on introducing nurses and nursing students to nursing theories to guide their practice and for the fact that its chapters are written by the theorists themselves or scholars identified by the theorists as experts. In addition to this, the book features both conceptual models/grand theories and middle-range theories in the discipline of nursing. The book is used as a resource in both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
The first chapters introduce readers to the nature and importance of theory to the professional discipline of nursing and how theory can guide practice and education. The second chapter gives some attention to Domain 1 of the AACN Essentials: Knowledge for Nursing Practice, and is a good resource for those engaged in integrating nursing knowledge throughout the curriculum.
The book has 31 chapter organized in five sections: 1) An Introduction to Nursing Theory (2 chapters); 2) Conceptual Influences on the Evolution of Nursing Theory (2 chapters); 3) Conceptual Models/Grand Theories in the Integrative-Interactive Paradigm (8 chapters); 4) Conceptual Models/Grand Theories in the Unitary-Transformative Paradigm (4 chapters); and 5) Middle Range Theories (15 chapters).
Authors writing about their own theories either alone or with others include: Callista Roy, Helen Erickson, Barbara Dossey, Anne Boykin and Savina Schoenhofer, Rosemarie Parse, Jean Watson, Afaf Meleis, Katharine Kolcaba, Joanne Duffy, Pamela Reed, Mary Jane Smith and Patricia Liehr, Marilyn Ray, Rozzano Locsin, Kristen Swanson, Adeline Falk-Rafael, Elizabeth Barrett, Marilyn Parker, Charlotte Barry and Beth King, John Lowe, Mona Wicks, Peggy Chinn and Marlaine Smith. Twenty-two of the chapters are primary sources on nursing theories.
There are significant changes in 6th edition. In addition to adding new material, some chapters were combined and reorganized in different sections. Chapter authors were invited to reflect on the cultural values reflected in their theories in a section called “Point of Reflection”. The story of Mary Seacole, a healer and contemporary of Florence Nightingale who also cared for soldiers in the Crimean War, is included in Chapter 3. Three new chapters were added in this edition: Native-Reliance Theory, Wicks Family Health Model, and Peace and Power – Philosophy, Theory and Practice. Chapters included in earlier editions remain accessible on the Davis Plus website. Introductions to the theorists, supplementary materials, references, and bibliographies appear in the comprehensive online resources for each chapter.
Resources to assist in teaching-learning are included in the book and its online resources. All but one chapter includes a practice exemplar and all chapters include questions for reflection and discussion. Online resources include power point slides and case studies.
My hope is that this book inspires readers to dig deeper and learn more about nursing theories. Many of the theorists have published books about their theories offering greater depth than what can be offered in a chapter. I enjoy hearing from those faculty and students who have used the book and am always open to comments. Some of the changes in this edition have come from readers’ suggestions. Feel free to contact me at msmit230@health.fau.edu.
Marlaine C. Smith, RN; PhD; AHN-BC, HWNC-BC; FAAN, HSGAHN
Professor Emerita & Director of the Anne Boykin Institute
Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Boca Raton, Florida
Me complace enormemente la publicación de la sexta edición de *Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice*, un recurso fundamental que continúa enriqueciendo la educación y práctica de la enfermería. Este libro, bajo la dirección de expertos en el campo, no solo presenta teorías de enfermería esenciales, sino que también integra voces de los propios teóricos, lo que aporta una perspectiva auténtica y profunda.
La estructura del libro, organizada en cinco secciones, permite a los lectores explorar desde los fundamentos teóricos hasta las aplicaciones prácticas en diferentes paradigmas de la enfermería. La inclusión de capítulos que reflexionan sobre los valores culturales y el impacto de figuras históricas como Mary Seacole en la práctica contemporánea son adiciones significativas que enriquecen el contenido.
Además, el enfoque en la enseñanza-aprendizaje, con ejemplos prácticos y preguntas para la reflexión, demuestra un compromiso con la formación de enfermeras críticas y reflexivas. La incorporación de nuevos capítulos, como la Teoría de la Confianza Nativa y el Modelo de Salud Familiar de Wicks, refleja la evolución constante del conocimiento en nuestra disciplina.
Este libro no solo es un recurso valioso para estudiantes y profesionales, sino que también invita a la comunidad académica a dialogar y reflexionar sobre la teoría en la práctica de enfermería. Espero que inspire a muchos a profundizar en las teorías que guían nuestra labor y a contribuir con sus propias experiencias y conocimientos en este campo vital. ¡Felicidades por este logro significativo!
English verision
I am extremely pleased with the publication of the sixth edition of *Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice*, a fundamental resource that continues to enrich nursing education and practice. This book, under the guidance of experts in the field, not only presents essential nursing theories but also integrates the voices of the theorists themselves, providing an authentic and profound perspective.
The structure of the book, organized into five sections, allows readers to explore everything from theoretical foundations to practical applications across different paradigms of nursing. The inclusion of chapters that reflect on cultural values and the impact of historical figures like Mary Seacole on contemporary practice are significant additions that enhance the content.
Moreover, the focus on teaching and learning, with practical examples and reflection questions, demonstrates a commitment to developing critical and reflective nurses. The incorporation of new chapters, such as the Native Trust Theory and Wicks’ Family Health Model, reflects the ongoing evolution of knowledge in our discipline.
This book is not only a valuable resource for students and professionals, but it also invites the academic community to engage in dialogue and reflection about theory in nursing practice. I hope it inspires many to delve deeper into the theories that guide our work and to contribute their own experiences and knowledge in this vital field. Congratulations on this significant achievement!