Book Reviews
Nursing Theorists and Their Work (6th edition)
Ann Marriner Tomey and Martha Raile Alligood (eds)
ISBN: 978-0-323030-10-6 2005 848 pages Mosby Elsevier, St Louis
Merri Paech
Lecturer, School of Nursing, University of South Australia, City Campus, Adelaide SA
In this latest edition of this well-known text, the largest to date, the editors have included more international work than previous editions. The 37 chapters are arranged in six units or sections entitled Evolution of Nursing Theories, Philosophies, Nursing Models, Nursing Theories, Middle Range Theories and The Future of Nursing Theory. Nine chapters from the previous edition are condensed into a single chapter to enable the inclusion of eight new nursing theory chapters, three new nursing philosophy chapters and a new nursing model chapter. Many of the theorists are still alive giving the book a sense of current relevance for the profession.
The work of each theorist is presented using the same headings as previous editions - Credentials and background of the theorist; Theoretical sources; Major concepts and definitions; Use of empirical evidence; Major assumptions; Theoretical assertions; Logical Form; Acceptance by the nursing community; Further development; Critique; Summary; and Case study linked to critical thinking activities. The inclusion of a critique aids the novice reader in the analysis of any particular theory and continues to be a strength of this latest edition.
A Middle Range Theory is a set of related concepts that focus on a limited dimension of the reality of nursing, and the seven interesting new theories presented include Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring. The major concepts of Swanson’s theory include knowing, being with, doing for, enabling and maintaining belief. This structure of caring is linked to the nurse’s philosophical attitudes, informed understandings, message conveyed, therapeutic actions and intended outcome of enhanced client well-being. The broad applicability of this and other Middle Range Theories ensures that this book will be of interest to general nurses, mental health nurses and midwives.
This comprehensive book provides answers to those who question the role of nursing in the 21st century - those who suggest that a generic health worker is the way of the future. Academics and clinicians alike can use the models, philosophies and theories to analyse individual nursing practice and debate professional nursing issues. This book not only elucidates the historical development of modern nursing but also gives an insight into what it is that nurses do for the clients in their care and is an excellent updated resource about this important topic.
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