Theory in Nursing: Transitions Theory – Flashcards

-Afaf Meleis developed Transitions Theory over about four decades. -Began with observations of experiences faced as people deal with changes related to health, well-being, and ability to care for themselves -"Transitions" is a central concept in nursing -Nurses should consider "facilitators" and "inhibitors" of transitions. -"Nursing therapeutics" are activities and actions. -Readiness -Preparation for transition -Role supplementation (fascilitate the transition process; helping them find their new role through the transition) -Relatively new theory but becoming increasingly recognized in the literature -Widely applicable and used in both practice and research

-Attempts to describe the interaction between nurses and patients -Nurses are concerned with people as they undergo transitions. -Goal of nursing therapeutics is to recognize and address potential problems encountered during transitional experiences. -Develop preventive and therapeutic interventions to support patients during these occasions

-viewed as a passage from one fairly stable state to another fairly stable state; process is triggered by a change. -Transitions are characterized by different stages, milestones, and turning points. -Transitions can be assisted or managed by nurses

-Developmental -Situational -Health-illness -Organizational

-Single -Multiple -Sequential -Simultaneous -Related -Unrelated

-Awareness -Engagement -Change/difference -Time span -Critical points and events

-Process indicators (-things like feeling connected; interaction, coping) -Outcome indicators (feeling like you've mastered the situation; finding that new normal)

Is there evidence the theory has been used in research, education, or administration? Is the theory socially relevant? Is the theory relevant cross-culturally? Does the theory contribute to nursing? Is the theory congruent with current standards? Is the theory congruent with nursing interventions? Has the theory been tested in research? Is it supported?

Are concepts theoretically and operationally defined? Are statements theoretically and operationally defined? Are linkages explicit? Is the theory logically organized? Is there a model or diagram? Is it helpful? Are components used consistently? Are outcomes or consequences stated or predicted?