Concept Comparison and Analysis Across Theories Paper Essay

Concept Comparison and Analysis Across Theories Paper
NUR/513
January 18, 2010

Abstract
Two different definitions of the metaparadigm concept health are discussed. The perspective of Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring is given as an example of a modern, still evolving nursing theory. A school of nursing thought from over 150 years ago, in the time of Nightingale herself, is discussed: The Tradition of Careful Nursing, which evolved in Ireland in the mid-18th century.

Nursing theories exhibit almost as diverse a set of characteristics as do the nurses and patients they seek to benefit. And yet, they all contain core concepts upon which the models are constructed. The descriptions of some of these concepts may be remarkably similar or quite different. Some will have identical names and different meanings. However, nursing theories, after all, are designed in order to promulgate the best patterns of care for nurses to administer to their patients.
In thinking about the concept of health, we can touch upon one of the foremost issues being considered in today's society. If one were to query a random selection of people regarding the most important issues, certainly health care would be among the top answers. In fact, three recent polls found that between 14 and 20 percent of Americans answered health care when asked what they felt the most important issues the county faced was (Polling Report Inc., 2010).
With the tumultuous changes going on in health care finance and delivery, it will be increasingly important for nurses to have a clear concept of what nursing theory defines health care as. In this way certain crucial aspects of care which might otherwise be eliminated for cost containment, may be able to be preserved. To find out what the meaning of health is as it relates to nursing theory, we shall examine the definitions from the two standpoints of Jean Watson and The Tradition of Careful Nursing.
Jean Watson
Watson's definition of health...