Nursing Theorists and Their Work
- 11th Edition - August 4, 2025
- Latest edition
- Authors: Martha Raile Alligood, Sonya R. Hardin
- Language: English
Understand the thinking of 39 leading nursing theorists in one comprehensive text! Nursing Theorists and Their Work, Eleventh Edition, provides a clear, in-depth look at nursing th… Read more
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Understand the thinking of 39 leading nursing theorists in one comprehensive text! Nursing Theorists and Their Work, Eleventh Edition, provides a clear, in-depth look at nursing theories of historical and international significance. Each chapter presents a key nursing theory or philosophy, showing how systematic theoretical evidence enhances decision making, professionalism, and quality of care. Lead author Martha Raile Alligood is known nationally and internationally for her expertise in nursing theory. A classic in the field of nursing theory, this text uses objective critiques, case studies, and critical thinking activities to bridge the gap between nursing theory and application in the practice of nursing.
- NEW! Information on the state of nursing in health care after COVID-19 illustrates how nursing knowledge development continues to evolve, with new theories that address current health care needs for quality nursing care
- Theorist chapters written by scholars specializing in that theorist’s work - often having worked closely with the theorists — provide the most accurate and complete information possible
- Case studies at the end of each theorist chapter present the theory in a larger perspective, demonstrating how it can be applied in practice
- Critical thinking activities at the end of each theorist chapter help you to process the theory presented and apply it to personal and hypothetical nursing practice situations
- Theory-specific diagrams help you visualize and better understand inherently abstract concepts and their relationships
- Major Concepts and Definitions boxes outline a theory’s most significant ideas and clarifies vocabulary
- Brief summary sections offer valuable review for tests and validate comprehension
- Points for Further Study sections direct you to sources of additional information
- A diagram in each unit illustrates the level of abstraction of the theoretical knowledge presented
Students in BSN-level nursing theory and/or theory development courses
UNIT I Evolution of Nursing Theories
1. Introduction to Nursing Theory: Its History and Significance
2. Nursing Theorists of Historical Significance
3. History of Nursing Science
4. Theory Development Process
5. The Structure and Analysis of Specialized Nursing Knowledge
UNIT II Nursing Philosophies
6. Florence Nightingale: Modern Nursing
7. Jean Watson: Watson’s Philosophy and Theory of Transpersonal Caring
8. Marilyn Anne Ray: Theory of Bureaucratic Caring
9. Patricia Benner: Caring, Clinical Wisdom, and Ethics in Nursing Practice
10. Kari Martinsen: Philosophy of Caring
11. Katie Eriksson: Theory of Caritative Caring
UNIT III Nursing Conceptual Models
12. Myra Estrin Levine: The Conservation Model
13. Martha E. Rogers: Unitary Human Beings
14. Dorothea E. Orem: Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing
15. Imogene M. King: Conceptual System and Theory of Goal Attainment
Ann E. Fronczek and Patricia Ruth Messmer
16. Betty Neuman: Systems Model
Diane Breckenridge
17. Sister Callista Roy: Adaptation Model
Robin Harris
18. Dorothy Johnson: Behavioral System Model
Bonnie Holaday
UNIT IV Theories and Grand Theories
19. Anne Boykin and Savina O. Schoenhofer: The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming Practice
20. Afaf Ibrahim Meleis: Transitions Theory
21. Nola J. Pender: Health Promotion Model
22. Madeleine M. Leininger: Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality
23. Margaret A. Newman: Health as Expanding Consciousness
24. Rosemarie Rizzo Parse: Humanbecoming
25. C. Erickson, Evelyn M. Tomlin, Mary Ann P. Swain: Modeling and Role-Modeling
26. Gladys L. Husted and James H. Husted: Symphonological Bioethical Theory
UNIT V Middle-Range Theories
27. Ramona T. Mercer: Maternal Role Attainment—Becoming a Mother
28. Merle Mishel: Uncertainty in Illness Theory
29. Pamela G. Reed: Self-Transcendence Theory
30. Carolyn L. Wiener and Marylin J. Dodd: Theory of Illness Trajectory
31. Georgene Gaskill Eakes, Mary Lermann Burke, and Margaret A. Hainsworth: Theory of Chronic Sorrow
32. Phil Barker: The Tidal Model of Mental Health Recovery
33. Katharine Kolcaba: Theory of Comfort
34. Cheryl Tatano Beck: Postpartum Depression Theory
35. Kristen M. Swanson: Theory of Caring
36. Cornelia M. Ruland and Shirley M. Moore: Peaceful End-of-Life Theory
UNIT VI The Future of Nursing Theory
37. State of the Art and Science of Nursing Theory
Review of the previous edition:
“…examines 31 theories focusing on multiple concepts vital to nursing theory…. [C]ohesively compares and contrasts nursing theorists’ work by ensuring that concepts are laid out in a systematic approach…. The editor is the director of a nursing PhD program, is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, and is known nationally and internationally for her expertise in nursing theory. This book focuses on nursing philosophies, models, middle-range theories, and perspectives on the status of the art and science of nursing theory. The chapters have major concepts and definitions sections that assist in the focus of terms,…summaries, case studies, and critical thinking activities [are] available to the learners and educators to further engage with the material,…[and] figures and tables are incorporated seamlessly and assist in the acquisition of knowledge…. [A]ny level of learner will find this book useful.” — ©Doody’s Review Service, 2023, Autumn Leigh Cole, DNP (Winona State University)
“…examines 31 theories focusing on multiple concepts vital to nursing theory…. [C]ohesively compares and contrasts nursing theorists’ work by ensuring that concepts are laid out in a systematic approach…. The editor is the director of a nursing PhD program, is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, and is known nationally and internationally for her expertise in nursing theory. This book focuses on nursing philosophies, models, middle-range theories, and perspectives on the status of the art and science of nursing theory. The chapters have major concepts and definitions sections that assist in the focus of terms,…summaries, case studies, and critical thinking activities [are] available to the learners and educators to further engage with the material,…[and] figures and tables are incorporated seamlessly and assist in the acquisition of knowledge…. [A]ny level of learner will find this book useful.” — ©Doody’s Review Service, 2023, Autumn Leigh Cole, DNP (Winona State University)
- Edition: 11
- Latest edition
- Published: August 4, 2025
- Language: English
MA
Martha Raile Alligood
Martha Raile Alligood is professor emeritus at East Carolina University College of Nursing in Greenville, NC, where she was the Director of the Nursing PhD program. She is known nationally and internationally for her expertise in nursing theory and she is also the author of another Elsevier title, Nursing Theory: Utilization and Application, 5th edition which is a companion to this title. This title will not be revised due to low sales.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor Emeritus School of Nursing East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina, USASH
Sonya R. Hardin
Dean Sonya R. Hardin works in the School of Nursing at the University of Louisville, USA.
Affiliations and expertise
Dean, School of Nursing, University of Louisville, USA