Paterson and Zderad : Humanistic Nursing Theory

Nursing is placed within a humanistic framework in Paterson and Zderad′s theory, which defines nursing as a nurturing response aimed at well-being. Three constructs of nursing, which describe the why and how of nursing practice, are identified: `comfort′, `clinical′ and `all-at-once′.

In this volume, O′Connor explores the origin of the theory and its underlying assumptions. She also examines the major concepts of the metaparadigm of nursing, including the nursing process.

Paterson and Zderad′s humanistic nursing theory is discussed in this slim, yet thorough, volume. Within the framework of the theory, nursing is viewed as an authentic dialogue involving meeting, relating, and presencing in a world of people, things, time, and space. These concepts are explained in detail by the author who also delineates the existential foundations of humanistic nursing. The concepts of presence and dialogue are presented, as are the origins of the humanistic nursing theory, the underlying assumptions, propositions of the conceptual model, and examples for application to practice and research. This interesting book also includes a bibliography of classic works, critiques, and a glossary of important terms. An informative and comprehensive volume, Paterson and Zderad will be invaluable to nursing students and nursing professionals in the allied health fields. "A concise and well-organized resource, with background information that familiarizes the reader with theorists Paterson and Zderad. The intellectual undergraduate student, graduate students, and faculty interested in a concise reference would benefit from this resource." --Choice "The text is informative and encapsulates a vast amount of detail about this particular nursing perspective. . . . The text has been well-referenced using the Harvard system to provide evidence for points made in the text and to enable the reader to access the academic sources of information for further reflection and study. . . the text is primarily designed for nurses studying at degree level and the information contained in this small book may prove to be invaluable to them." --Journal of Advanced Nursing