Problems in the Development, Use and Testing of Nursing Theory

This paper identifies and describes seven areas of difficulty in the development, use, and testing of nursing theory. These problems are as follows: (1) the belief that there are absolute truths about nursing and that these truths can be found; (2) a lack of understanding of the definition and functions of theory; (3) the notion that there is only one theory of nursing and that this theory can account for all nursing activities; (4) the belief that members of the profession must all agree on the theory or theories that should be used; (5) the failure to empirically validate the theories that have been developed; (6) the failure to allow for modification of existing theories; and, (7) the failure to develop theory from and relate theory to clinical practice.