Application of Nightingale, Orem, Watson, and Leininger (Due in Lesson 07) - Instructions


  1. Research the following four nursing theorists and their theories: Florence Nightingale, Dorothea Orem, Jean Watson, and Myra Leininger.
    • Search on the internet and become familiar with the theorists' works, philosophy and conceptual frameworks.
    • Another source for theory information includes: Chapter 13: Nursing Theory: The Basis for Professional Nursing in the Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges textbook.
  2. Write a short APA " Reflection Paper" , 1 lengthy paragraph per theorist (10-12 sentences or about one third to one half of a page each).
    • Relate the theorist's nursing theory in terms of providing nursing care to a patient and how YOU can apply this nursing theory in your specific nursing setting.
    • Application of the theory, in terms of nursing care for the patient, is KEY to the content of your paper. Therefore, you are encouraged to share experiences and specific examples of application of this theory.
    • If you are not currently working, please apply to a generic Medical/Surgical floor.

      Note: Every theorist has several key points to her theory in terms of direct Nursing care application. An example: Jean Watson has more than just " caring" in her theory. It will be important to understand how the theorist APPLIES her theory for nursing care of the patient. In summary, by reading about the theorists, understand the key components of the theory as described specific to nursing care of the patient, then write about how YOU could apply it to your setting
  3. Your theory application paper should include the following 2 pages:
    • A correct APA title page (including APA header, page number and required nursing department information) as on the History paper.
    • Reflection Page (including APA header, title, page number, appropriate headings) with your personal experiences or proposed application of the nursing care aspects of this theory in practice.
      • Use 1st or 2nd level heading for each theorist. If a 2nd level heading is used, there must be a 1st level heading prior.
    • No Reference Page is needed.
  4. Submit your Theory Application Paper in iLearn.
MAX SCORE CRITERIA 11-16 5-10 2-4 0-1
16 Application of Theory to Practice

Applied each theory to specific nursing setting. Shared specific examples and experiences of each theory.

Writing was well organized. No more than one page per theorist.

Applied each theory to specific nursing setting. Shared specific examples and experiences of each theory.

Writing was not well organized. No more than one page per theorist.

Applied each theory to specific nursing setting. Did not share specific examples and experiences of each theory.

Writing was not well organized. No more than one page per theorist.

Did not apply each theory to specific nursing setting. Did not share specific examples and experiences of each theory.

Writing was not well organized. No more than one page per theorist.
4 APA/Grammar

Used correct APA formatting for a " Reflection Paper", including title page, header and APA formatting.

Used appropriate vocabulary, spelling & grammar.

Did not Use correct APA formatting for a " Reflection Paper", including title page, header and APA formatting.

Did not use appropriate vocabulary, spelling & grammar.

Right of Ownership:

Please remember to copy and electronically Sign and Date the following statement on the final page of your submitted paper: 


This paper is submitted as a true and accurate representation of my original work, research and writing. No part of this document is quoted, paraphrased, or the work of another individual unless cited and referenced correctly per the APA Publication Manual 6th Edition. I understand that any variance in citation or referencing can be considered academic misconduct, and subject to BYU-Idaho’s Academic Honesty policy.

Electronic Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________