What does a nursing theory propose?

A nursing theory proposes a set of guidelines that inform nursing practice, as it provides a framework to understand and improve patient care, nursing roles, and the interactions between nurses and patients. Nursing theories are built on concepts and propositions that help to explain phenomena within nursing, offering a structured way to assess and deliver care.

By clearly outlining these guidelines, nursing theories foster critical thinking, aid in decision-making, and enhance the understanding of the nursing process. They also support the development of best practices and help to communicate the essentials of nursing to students and professionals alike. This foundational aspect of nursing theories allows them to play a crucial role in not only shaping nursing education but also advancing the profession as a whole.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the purpose of nursing theory. While higher education plays an important role in nursing, nursing theory specifically addresses practice rather than serving solely as an educational framework. A group of unrelated concepts does not encapsulate the cohesive structure that a nursing theory aims to establish. Lastly, although nursing has a historical context, a theory is not merely a historical overview; instead, it focuses on present concepts and practices to guide current and future nursing care.