Introduction to Professional Nursing & Nursing Theories - Cheat Sheet
Your 30-minute rapid-fire revision companion covering all critical definitions, theorists, legal frameworks, and exam-high-yield concepts for the introduction to professional nursing chapter.
Defining Nursing & Core Concepts
Important facts
- Nursing is BOTH a science (evidence/theory) AND an art (compassion/individualization)
- Henderson's definition is the MOST WIDELY QUOTED on the NLE
- Nightingale emphasized ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL (sanitation, ventilation, light, nutrition)
- All definitions underscore: health promotion, illness prevention, care of sick, restoration of function, peaceful death
Key definitions
Nursing (ANA Definition)
Example
Teaching a hypertensive patient about low-sodium diet (health promotion) and monitoring BP response (treatment of response)
Protection, promotion, optimization of health; prevention of illness; alleviation of suffering through diagnosis and treatment of human responses; advocacy in care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.
Nursing (Virginia Henderson)
Example
Helping a post-operative patient ambulate when they lack the strength to do so independently
Assists individual, sick or well, in performing activities contributing to health, recovery, or peaceful death—activities the person would perform unaided if they had strength, will, or knowledge.
Nursing (Florence Nightingale)
Example
Ensuring clean, well-ventilated room with adequate light and nutrition to promote healing
Act of putting patient in best condition for nature to act upon them; focuses on environmental manipulation.
Nursing as Science and Art
Example
Evidence-based protocol (science) applied with empathy and cultural sensitivity (art)
Science: evidence-based, theoretical, systematic; Art: compassionate, individualized, holistic care delivery.
Diagrams to know
- Venn diagram: Nursing as Science ∩ Nursing as Art
- Timeline: Evolution from intuitive care → Nightingale era → modern evidence-based nursing
The Nursing Metaparadigm (4 Central Concepts)
Important facts
- ALL nursing theories address the 4 metaparadigm concepts, but EMPHASIZE THEM DIFFERENTLY
- The metaparadigm is a FUNDAMENTAL FRAMEWORK—understanding it unlocks each theorist's work
- Each theorist weights: Person, Environment, Health, Nursing differently
- NLE frequently tests: 'Which theorist emphasized [concept]?'
Key definitions
Person/Client
Example
A diabetic patient, their family, or a barangay health program
Recipient of nursing care; can be individual, family, community, or population.
Environment
Example
Hospital setting, home environment, community resources, cultural beliefs about illness
Internal and external surroundings affecting the person; includes physical, social, cultural, spiritual contexts.
Health
Example
A patient recovering from stroke ranges from acute illness → rehabilitation → community reintegration
Degree of wellness or well-being experienced; dynamic state across the wellness-illness continuum.
Nursing
Example
Therapeutic communication, clinical assessment, advocacy, coordination of care
Actions, characteristics, and attributes of the person giving care; the professional intervention.
Diagrams to know
- Metaparadigm Venn diagram: Four overlapping circles (Person, Environment, Health, Nursing)
- How each theorist prioritizes/connects the 4 concepts differently
Major Nursing Theorists (NLE High-Yield)
Important facts
- Nightingale = ENVIRONMENT manipulation (sanitation, light, ventilation, diet)
- Henderson = 14 BASIC NEEDS; nurse helps regain INDEPENDENCE
- Orem = SELF-CARE DEFICIT; three nursing systems (wholly → partly → supportive-educative)
- Roy = ADAPTATION to stimuli across 4 MODES (physiologic, self-concept, role, interdependence)
- Watson = CARING as moral ideal; transpersonal relationship
- Peplau = INTERPERSONAL PROCESS; 3 phases (orientation, working, termination)
- Leininger = TRANSCULTURAL/CULTURE-CONGRUENT care
- Benner = SKILL PROGRESSION (novice → expert) through experience and reflection
- Neuman = SYSTEMS MODEL; lines of defense against stressors
- Abdellah = 21 NURSING PROBLEMS (patient-centered)
Key definitions
Florence Nightingale — Environmental Theory
Example
Cleaning patient's room, opening windows for fresh air, ensuring adequate nutrition → promotes healing
Nursing involves manipulating the environment (clean, ventilated, lit, quiet, nourished) to allow natural recovery; founder of modern nursing.
Virginia Henderson — Need Theory (14 Basic Needs)
Example
Breathing, eating/drinking, elimination, movement, sleep/rest, clothing, temperature, hygiene, safety, communication, worship, work, play, learning
Nurse helps patient meet 14 basic needs to regain independence; substitute, supplement, or complement patient's ability.
Dorothea Orem — Self-Care Deficit Theory
Example
Comatose patient = wholly compensatory; post-op patient learning to walk = partly compensatory; diabetic patient learning glucose monitoring = supportive-educative
Nursing required when patient CANNOT meet self-care demands; three nursing systems: wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, supportive-educative.
Sister Callista Roy — Adaptation Model
Example
Post-amputation patient adapting to body image change (self-concept mode) and new role as dependent (role function mode)
Person is adaptive system responding to stimuli; nursing promotes adaptation across 4 modes: physiologic, self-concept, role function, interdependence.
Jean Watson — Theory of Human Caring
Example
Holding patient's hand during distress, listening without judgment, treating patient with dignity and respect
Caring is essence/moral ideal of nursing; emphasizes transpersonal caring relationship and carative factors (Caritas processes).
Hildegard Peplau — Interpersonal Relations Theory
Example
Phase 1: Nurse introduces self, establishes trust; Phase 2: Nurse teaches, guides, supports; Phase 3: Patient independent, relationship ends
Nursing is therapeutic interpersonal process; describes nurse-patient relationship in phases: orientation, working (identification/exploitation), termination (resolution).
Madeleine Leininger — Transcultural Nursing
Example
Respecting patient's herbal remedies, involving family in decision-making, avoiding assumptions about illness beliefs
Nursing must provide culturally congruent care; culture shapes health beliefs, practices, and care expectations.
Patricia Benner — Novice to Expert
Example
Nursing graduate (novice) → 2–3 years experience (competent) → 5+ years specialized experience (expert)
Nursing skill acquisition progresses through 5 stages: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, expert.
Betty Neuman — Systems Model
Example
Primary prevention: immunization (strengthen normal line); Secondary: treatment of illness (activate resistance); Tertiary: rehabilitation (restore equilibrium)
Person is an open system with lines of defense (normal, flexible, resistance) against stressors; nursing prevents stressor impact.
Faye Abdellah — 21 Nursing Problems
Example
Pain, breathing difficulty, elimination problems, emotional support needs
Patient-centered approach identifying 21 common nursing problems to guide individualized care.
Diagrams to know
- Orem's 3 nursing systems spectrum (wholly → partly → supportive-educative)
- Roy's 4 adaptation modes (physiologic, self-concept, role function, interdependence)
- Peplau's 3 relationship phases (orientation → working → termination)
- Benner's 5 skill levels (novice → advanced beginner → competent → proficient → expert)
- Neuman's lines of defense (flexible, normal, resistance)
Roles & Functions of the Nurse
Important facts
- Caregiver is the CENTRAL role of nursing
- Health TEACHING is an INDEPENDENT function under RA 9173—NO physician order needed
- Nursing DIAGNOSIS is INDEPENDENT under RA 9173
- Medication administration is DEPENDENT (requires physician order)
- Interdependent = collaborative with other professionals (shared decision-making)
- Modern nursing requires multiple simultaneous roles (not sequential)
- Advocacy protects patient autonomy and informed consent—CRITICAL ethical role
Key definitions
Caregiver Role
Example
Administering medications, wound care, hygiene, positioning, pain management
Primary, direct-care role; central function of nursing practice.
Communicator Role
Example
Listening to patient concerns, reporting findings to physician, updating family on care plan
Links patient, family, and interdisciplinary health team.
Teacher/Health Educator Role
Example
Teaching post-MI patient about diet, medication compliance, exercise; teaching mother about infant care
Provides health teaching—INDEPENDENT FUNCTION under RA 9173; addresses cognitive, affective, psychomotor domains.
Advocate Role
Example
Ensuring patient understands procedure before consent, protecting privacy, reporting unsafe practices
Protects patient rights, autonomy, and dignity; ensures informed consent and safe care.
Counselor Role
Example
Listening to grief-stricken family, helping patient explore feelings about diagnosis, crisis support
Supports coping, emotional processing, and decision-making.
Manager/Coordinator Role
Example
Coordinating medications with pharmacy, scheduling tests, delegating tasks to nursing assistants
Organizes, prioritizes, and delegates patient care; manages resources and workflow.
Independent Nursing Function
Example
Teaching, assessment, documentation, emotional support, comfort measures
Nurse-initiated action; does NOT require physician order; under RA 9173: health teaching, positioning, hygiene, nursing diagnosis.
Dependent Nursing Function
Example
Administering medications, performing prescribed treatments, collecting ordered specimens
Physician-ordered action; nurse implements medical orders.
Interdependent/Collaborative Function
Example
Implementing standing protocols, multidisciplinary care planning, wound care team rounds
Shared responsibility with other health professionals; implemented by consensus.
Diagrams to know
- Nurse roles spectrum: Caregiver (center) with 6 surrounding roles (Communicator, Teacher, Advocate, Counselor, Manager, Leader)
- Functions hierarchy: Independent, Dependent, Interdependent examples
RA 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002) — Legal Framework
Important facts
- RA 9173 DEFINES SCOPE OF NURSING PRACTICE in Philippines
- BON is under PRC; both govern nursing licensure and practice standards
- NLE is MANDATORY to practice as registered nurse in Philippines
- Health TEACHING is INDEPENDENT function (no physician order required)
- Nursing DIAGNOSIS is INDEPENDENT function
- NURSING CARE in PREGNANCY/LABOR/DELIVERY is INDEPENDENT function
- CPD is MANDATORY for license renewal; nurses must complete required units every renewal period
- License SUSPENSION or REVOCATION for: unprofessional conduct, incompetence, moral turpitude conviction
- RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) reinforces confidentiality and patient information security
- PROFESSIONAL OATH required after passing NLE before practice
Key definitions
RA 9173 — Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
Example
Establishes independent functions (health teaching, nursing diagnosis), creates Board of Nursing, mandates license renewal and CPD
Fundamental law governing nursing practice in Philippines; defines scope, mandates BON/PRC oversight, prescribes licensure requirements and NLE.
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Example
Administers NLE, issues/renews licenses, disciplines violators, sets CPD requirements
Government agency overseeing professional licensing; establishes and enforces standards for nurses.
Board of Nursing (BON)
Example
Sets exam content, reviews exam results, issues practice advisories, disciplines unethical nurses
Committee under PRC composed of qualified registered nurses; develops nursing standards, administers NLE, sets licensing requirements.
Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE)
Example
5-hour exam covering Nursing Practice I–IV, Family/Community Health, Legal/Ethical/Professional aspects
National standardized exam administered by BON/PRC; required to practice as registered nurse in Philippines.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Example
Nurses earn CPD units through conferences, workshops, online courses, publications to renew license every 3 years
Required ongoing education for license renewal; maintains currency in nursing knowledge and practice.
Independent Nursing Functions (RA 9173)
Example
Prenatal teaching, labor support, post-operative assessment, patient education on disease management
Actions nurses perform WITHOUT physician order: health education, nursing care in pregnancy/labor/delivery, establishment of nursing diagnosis.
Data Privacy Act (RA 10173)
Example
Patient chart kept confidential, medical information not shared without consent, electronic records encrypted
Protects patient privacy and confidential health information; nurses must secure records and limit disclosure.
Diagrams to know
- RA 9173 regulatory hierarchy: PRC → BON → Licensed Nurses
- Licensure pathway: BSN → NLE → License issuance → CPD → Renewal cycle
History of Nursing — Global & Philippine Context
Important facts
- Nightingale = 'Lady with the Lamp'; founder of MODERN NURSING
- Nightingale used STATISTICS and SANITATION to reduce Crimean War mortality
- ILOILO MISSION HOSPITAL (1906) = FIRST nursing school in Philippines — HIGH LIKELIHOOD NLE QUESTION
- PNA (1922) = accredited professional organization; represents nurses nationally
- Nursing evolved from intuitive → religious → evidence-based trajectory
- Early Philippine nursing rooted in traditional healers (herbolario, hilot) before formal education
- Formal Philippine nursing education parallels global professionalization movement of early 1900s
Key definitions
Intuitive/Early Period
Example
Herbolario (herbalist), hilot (massage practitioner) in early Philippines
Care driven by instinct, folk practice, and traditional healing (pre-modern era).
Religious/Apprentice Period
Example
Nuns providing hospital care; 'Dark Ages of Nursing' when formal care structure collapsed
Care delivered by religious orders during medieval era; decline after Reformation when hospitals closed.
Nightingale Era (1854 — Crimean War)
Example
Reduced mortality through clean conditions, trained first nurses, established formal education at St. Thomas' (1860)
Florence Nightingale's revolutionary work during Crimean War; founded modern nursing based on sanitation, statistics, evidence.
Iloilo Mission Hospital School of Nursing (1906)
Example
Established structured, theory-based nursing training; followed by St. Paul's, PGH nursing schools
FIRST NURSING SCHOOL IN PHILIPPINES; recognized pioneer of formal nursing education in country.
Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) — 1922
Example
Develops code of ethics, provides continuing education, lobbies for nursing legislation, accredits programs
ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION of nurses in Philippines; represents profession, sets standards, advocates for nurses.
Diagrams to know
- Timeline: Intuitive era → Religious era → Nightingale (1854) → Modern nursing
- Philippine nursing timeline: Traditional healers → Iloilo Mission (1906) → PNA (1922) → Contemporary practice
Levels of Prevention — Framework for Nursing Intervention
Important facts
- PRIMARY = PREVENT (before disease)
- SECONDARY = DETECT & TREAT (early intervention)
- TERTIARY = REHABILITATE (restore function, prevent complications)
- All three levels are NURSING responsibilities across settings (hospital, community, RHU, barangay)
- Philippine DOH programs align with prevention levels: immunization (primary), disease surveillance (secondary), disability management (tertiary)
- Prevention framework is foundational to community health nursing practice
Key definitions
Primary Prevention
Example
Immunization programs, health teaching on nutrition/exercise, smoking cessation education, water safety
Prevent disease BEFORE it occurs; promote health and reduce risk; population-focused.
Secondary Prevention
Example
Screening (Pap smear, mammography, BP check), tuberculosis case-finding, early treatment of UTI
Early detection and prompt treatment; reduce severity; identify disease at early stage.
Tertiary Prevention
Example
Physical therapy post-stroke, cardiac rehabilitation post-MI, prosthetics for amputee, mental health support post-crisis
Limit disability and promote rehabilitation; restore function after disease; prevent complications.
Diagrams to know
- Prevention spectrum: Primary (prevent) → Secondary (detect) → Tertiary (restore)
- Disease timeline: Prevention (before) → Early detection (beginning) → Treatment (active disease) → Rehabilitation (aftermath)
Fields & Settings of Nursing Practice (RA 9173)
Important facts
- RA 9173 recognizes MULTIPLE FIELDS of nursing practice—not just hospital settings
- Community health nursing is FOUNDATIONAL to Philippine healthcare delivery (DOH, RHUs, barangay)
- Nurses can specialize across multiple settings and roles during career
- Career MOBILITY includes progression to advanced practice, specialty certification, leadership, education
- Professional organizations (PNA, specialty associations) offer certification pathways for specialization
- Each field requires different COMPETENCIES and KNOWLEDGE (e.g., critical care vs. community health)
Key definitions
Hospital/Institutional Nursing
Example
Medical-surgical units, ICU, emergency department, specialty units (pediatrics, obstetrics)
Acute/chronic inpatient care in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities.
Community & Public Health Nursing
Example
RHU-based programs, barangay health campaigns, epidemiology, disease surveillance, health promotion
Population-focused preventive and promotive care in communities; emphasis on health and disease prevention.
School Nursing
Example
Health screening, immunization campaigns, health education, first aid, communicable disease management
Health promotion, disease prevention, and health services in school settings.
Occupational Health Nursing
Example
Industrial health and safety, ergonomics, occupational disease prevention, worker education
Workplace health promotion, injury prevention, hazard assessment, wellness programs.
Military Nursing
Example
Armed Forces Medical services, military hospital care, emergency/trauma management
Healthcare delivery in military settings; combat casualty care, military health promotion.
Private-Duty Nursing
Example
Home-based care for elderly, post-operative recovery, terminal/palliative care
One-on-one care for individual patients in private settings (home or facility).
Nursing Education & Academia
Example
Nursing instructor in BSN program, nursing supervisor, academic leadership
Clinical instruction, teaching, faculty roles in nursing schools (requires additional qualifications).
Nursing Administration & Leadership
Example
Nurse manager, director of nursing, hospital administrator, program director
Management of nursing services, policy development, strategic planning.
Nursing Research & Scholarship
Example
Clinical trials, outcome measurement, evidence-based practice development, publication
Evidence generation, quality improvement studies, practice-based research.
Diagrams to know
- Nursing practice settings: Central hospital/institutional → radiating to community health, school, occupational, military, private-duty, education, administration, research
Bioethical Principles & Ethical Foundations
Important facts
- AUTONOMY = informed consent; patient right to refuse care
- BENEFICENCE = do good; promote patient welfare
- NONMALEFICENCE = do no harm; minimize risk and injury
- JUSTICE = fairness; equitable access and treatment
- VERACITY = honesty; truthful communication
- FIDELITY = loyalty; keep promises and maintain trust
- CONFIDENTIALITY = protect patient information (RA 10173)
- Ethical CONFLICTS often require balancing multiple principles
- Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses is MANDATORY reference for professional conduct
- Ethical practice is FOUNDATION of nursing accountability under RA 9173
Key definitions
Autonomy
Example
Patient chooses to refuse surgery; nurse respects choice despite disagreement
Respect for self-determination; patient right to make own decisions; informed consent required.
Beneficence
Example
Teaching patient about medication side effects to prevent harm
Do GOOD; act in patient's best interest; promote health and welfare.
Nonmaleficence
Example
Using aseptic technique to prevent infection, proper medication dose to prevent toxicity
Do NO HARM; avoid causing injury; minimize risk.
Justice
Example
Serving all patients equally in clinic; ensuring vaccines available to poorest communities
FAIRNESS in resource distribution; equitable access to care; equal treatment regardless of status.
Veracity
Example
Truthfully explaining diagnosis and prognosis; not hiding medication side effects
TRUTHFULNESS; honest communication; no deception.
Fidelity
Example
Following through on care plan, being present for patient, honoring patient's preferences
LOYALTY; keeping promises and commitments; maintaining therapeutic relationship.
Confidentiality
Example
Not discussing patient case in hallway, encrypting electronic health records, requiring consent for information release
Protect patient information; secure records; limit disclosure (reinforced by RA 10173).
Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses
Example
Nurses practice with integrity, respect patient rights, maintain competence, collaborate with team
Professional ethical standards established by BON/PNA; guides nursing conduct and decision-making.
Diagrams to know
- 7 Bioethical principles interconnected wheel: Autonomy, Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Justice, Veracity, Fidelity, Confidentiality
Patient & Family Teaching — Health Education
Important facts
- Health teaching is INDEPENDENT nursing function—NO physician order needed
- ASSESS READINESS FIRST before teaching (physical state, emotional state, pain, fatigue, language)
- Address ALL THREE learning domains: cognitive (knowledge), affective (attitudes/feelings), psychomotor (skills)
- Use PATIENT'S PREFERRED LANGUAGE and appropriate LITERACY LEVEL (multilingual Philippine context)
- TEACH-BACK/RETURN DEMONSTRATION evaluates learning; not just asking 'Do you understand?'
- Family involvement STRENGTHENS learning and adherence
- Environmental barriers (noise, interruptions, language, cultural beliefs) IMPEDE learning
- Patient preferences and cultural beliefs must be RESPECTED and INCORPORATED
- Documentation of teaching and evaluation is MANDATORY (legal record)
Key definitions
Health Teaching/Education
Example
Teaching diabetic patient insulin administration (psychomotor), managing emotions about diagnosis (affective), understanding blood glucose monitoring (cognitive)
INDEPENDENT nursing function (RA 9173); structured process to facilitate learning across cognitive, affective, psychomotor domains.
Cognitive Domain
Example
Patient learns what diabetes is, how insulin works, why blood glucose control matters
Knowledge acquisition; understanding facts, concepts, principles, procedures.
Affective Domain
Example
Patient accepts need for lifestyle changes, overcomes fear of injections, develops confidence in self-management
Attitude and emotional development; accepting new beliefs, values, coping with feelings.
Psychomotor Domain
Example
Patient demonstrates proper insulin injection technique, blood glucose fingerstick, proper medication administration
Skill development; performing techniques, demonstrating competence in procedures.
Readiness to Learn
Example
Acute pain patient NOT ready to learn; post-operative stable patient ready for education
Assessment of patient's physical, emotional, cognitive, and environmental capacity to learn.
Teach-Back Method
Example
Nurse asks patient to demonstrate blood glucose monitoring or explain medication timing
Evaluation technique: patient explains/demonstrates learning; verifies comprehension and skill.
Diagrams to know
- Teaching process cycle: Assess → Plan → Implement → Evaluate → Document
- Three learning domains: Cognitive (knowledge), Affective (attitudes/emotions), Psychomotor (skills)
Interdisciplinary Health Care Team & Philippine Healthcare System
Important facts
- Nurses are INTEGRAL to interdisciplinary teams—communication hub
- Collaboration improves patient outcomes and reduces medication errors
- Philippine healthcare system is PYRAMID: Barangay Health Station → RHU → District Hospital → Regional Hospital → Tertiary Center
- DOH programs (immunization, TB-DOTS, maternal health) are NURSE-LED in primary care
- RHU and BHS are PRIMARY CONTACT POINTS for most Filipinos—nurses' role is CRITICAL
- Community health nurses work WITH barangay health workers, midwives, tribal health workers
- Nurse coordinates referrals UP the system (BHS → RHU → hospital) and DOWN (hospital → RHU → community)
- Public health nursing emphasizes PREVENTION and HEALTH PROMOTION at population level
Key definitions
Interdisciplinary Health Team
Example
Nurse, physician, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, medical technologist, nutritionist-dietitian, social worker, psychologist
Collaborative professionals from multiple disciplines working toward shared patient/population health goals.
Nurse's Collaborative Role
Example
Coordinating medication schedule with pharmacy, attending team rounds, reporting to physician, consulting specialist services
Works WITH other professionals; shares information, implements shared plans, advocates for patient within team.
Department of Health (DOH)
Example
Expanded Immunization Program (EIP), DOTS (tuberculosis), maternal-child health, disease surveillance, health promotion
Philippines' primary health authority; oversees national health policies, disease programs, public health infrastructure.
Rural Health Unit (RHU)
Example
Immunization, prenatal care, disease surveillance, health education, basic treatment, TB-DOTS
Basic primary care facility at municipal level; provides preventive and promotive services.
Barangay Health Station (BHS)
Example
First-line contact for residents; health education, basic health services, referrals, community health programs
Community-level facility; provides health services at village level; staffed by health workers.
Diagrams to know
- Philippine healthcare pyramid: Tertiary (top) → Regional Hospital → District Hospital → RHU → Barangay Health Station (community)
- Interdisciplinary team with nurse as central coordinator
Characteristics of a Profession & Professionalization of Nursing
Important facts
- Nursing MEETS ALL CRITERIA of a true profession
- Professionalization is DEMONSTRATED through: education, licensure, ethics, research, organization, autonomy
- RA 9173 ESTABLISHES LEGAL FRAMEWORK for nursing profession in Philippines
- PRC/BON REGULATE and PROTECT public from unqualified practitioners
- Professional ACCOUNTABILITY means nurses answer for decisions and outcomes—not just following orders
- Nursing SCIENCE is evidence-based; practice grounded in theory and research
- Professional GROWTH requires continuing education, specialization, leadership development
- SERVICE to society (not just profit) is hallmark of professionalism
Key definitions
Body of Knowledge & Theory
Example
Nursing theories (Nightingale, Henderson, Orem, Roy, Watson, Peplau, Leininger, Benner, etc.); nursing research; evidence-based practice
Distinct discipline with defined concepts, theories, principles, research-based evidence.
Formal Education
Example
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in accredited universities; master's programs in specialties
Structured, credential-granting programs (BSN, graduate nursing); recognized by accrediting bodies.
Code of Ethics
Example
Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses; established by BON/PNA; addresses patient rights, professional responsibility
Written professional standards guiding ethical conduct and accountability.
Autonomy & Accountability
Example
Nurses make independent judgments (nursing diagnosis, health teaching); accountable for patient safety and care quality
Independent practice authority; responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
Service Orientation
Example
Nurses serve vulnerable populations; commitment to health promotion, disease prevention, social justice
Commitment to societal welfare; profession exists to serve public health needs.
Professional Organization
Example
Philippine Nurses Association (PNA); specialty organizations (CHN, critical care, orthopedic nursing societies)
Collective representation (PNA); advocates for profession, sets standards, provides education.
Regulation & Licensure
Example
RA 9173, PRC/BON oversee licensure, NLE requirement, license renewal, discipline for violations
Government oversight ensuring competence and ethical practice; licensure required to practice.
Continuing Education & Research
Example
CPD requirements for license renewal; nursing research advancing evidence-based practice; publication and scholarship
Ongoing professional development; advancement of nursing science through inquiry.
Diagrams to know
- 8 characteristics of a profession: Body of knowledge, Education, Ethics, Autonomy, Service, Organization, Regulation, Continuing education/research (octagon)
Must remember
- RA 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002) GOVERNS nursing practice in Philippines; PRC/BON administer NLE and licensure.
- FOUR metaparadigm concepts: Person, Environment, Health, Nursing — each theorist EMPHASIZES DIFFERENTLY.
- Nightingale = ENVIRONMENT manipulation (sanitation, light, ventilation); Henderson = 14 BASIC NEEDS; Orem = SELF-CARE DEFICIT (3 nursing systems); Roy = ADAPTATION (4 modes); Watson = CARING.
- Hildegard Peplau's relationship phases: ORIENTATION → WORKING (identification/exploitation) → TERMINATION/RESOLUTION — therapeutic interpersonal process.
- Independent nursing functions (RA 9173): HEALTH TEACHING, nursing diagnosis, nursing care in pregnancy/labor/delivery — NO physician order required.
- Iloilo Mission Hospital School of Nursing (1906) = FIRST nursing school in Philippines; PNA (1922) = accredited professional organization.
- Levels of prevention: PRIMARY (prevent before disease) → SECONDARY (early detect/treat) → TERTIARY (rehabilitate/limit disability).
- Bioethical principles: AUTONOMY (informed consent), BENEFICENCE (do good), NONMALEFICENCE (do no harm), JUSTICE (fairness), VERACITY (honesty), FIDELITY (loyalty), CONFIDENTIALITY (RA 10173).
- Three learning domains: COGNITIVE (knowledge), AFFECTIVE (attitudes/feelings), PSYCHOMOTOR (skills) — effective teaching addresses ALL THREE.
- Orem's nursing systems spectrum: WHOLLY COMPENSATORY (nurse does all) → PARTLY COMPENSATORY (nurse+patient) → SUPPORTIVE-EDUCATIVE (nurse teaches, patient does).
Last minute tips
- When NLE asks 'Which theorist emphasized...?' — match theorist to metaparadigm concept they prioritized: Nightingale=ENVIRONMENT, Henderson=NEEDS/INDEPENDENCE, Orem=SELF-CARE, Roy=ADAPTATION, Watson=CARING, Peplau=RELATIONSHIP.
- Health TEACHING is INDEPENDENT — memorize this for dependent vs independent function questions; medication admin is DEPENDENT (needs order).
- Peplau's phases can be confused: remember ORIENTATION (introduction/trust), WORKING/EXPLOITATION (nurse guides/teaches), RESOLUTION/TERMINATION (independence/closure) — NOT just 'beginning-middle-end'.
- For Orem: If patient is COMATOSE = wholly compensatory; if learning to do something = supportive-educative; if doing some activities but nurse helps = partly compensatory.
- RA 9173, PRC, BON, NLE, CPD = all interconnected Philippine nursing governance terms; distinguish: RA 9173 is LAW; PRC is GOVERNMENT AGENCY; BON is NURSING COMMITTEE; NLE is the EXAM; CPD is REQUIREMENT for license renewal.
Comparison tables
Major Nursing Theorists Comparison — Metaparadigm Emphasis
| Theorist | Metaparadigm Focus | Key Concept | Clinical Application | NLE Trigger Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence Nightingale | ENVIRONMENT (primary) | Environmental manipulation | Clean, ventilated, lit, quiet space promotes healing | Ensure sanitation, light, fresh air, nutrition |
| Virginia Henderson | PERSON (14 basic needs) | Independence in meeting needs | Patient needs: breathing, eating, elimination, movement, sleep, hygiene, safety, communication, worship, work, play, learning | Help patient meet needs → regain independence |
| Dorothea Orem | PERSON (self-care deficit) | Self-care agency | Three nursing systems: wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, supportive-educative | Promote patient's ability to meet own self-care demands |
| Callista Roy | HEALTH/ENVIRONMENT (adaptation) | Adaptation to stimuli | Four modes: physiologic, self-concept, role function, interdependence | Help person adapt to health-illness change across all modes |
| Jean Watson | NURSING (caring process) | Caring as essence | Transpersonal caring relationship; Caritas processes | Provide compassionate, humanistic, holistic care |
| Hildegard Peplau | NURSING (interpersonal) | Therapeutic relationship | Three relationship phases: orientation, working (identification/exploitation), termination/resolution | Establish therapeutic nurse-patient relationship; facilitate growth |
Nursing Functions: Independent, Dependent, Interdependent
| Function Type | Authority Source | Examples | RA 9173 Status | Accountability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | Nurse-initiated (no order required) | Health teaching, nursing diagnosis, assessment, positioning, hygiene, emotional support, environmental safety, documentation | Explicitly recognized in RA 9173 | Nurse is accountable for outcomes and quality |
| Dependent | Physician-ordered | Medication administration, prescribed treatments, specimen collection, ordered tests, diagnostic procedures | Carried out under RA 9173; nurse executes physician orders | Nurse accountable for correct execution; physician accountable for order appropriateness |
| Interdependent/Collaborative | Shared with other professionals | Standing protocols, multidisciplinary care planning, wound care rounds, infection control measures, referrals, team coordination | Collaborative actions within healthcare team framework | All team members accountable for their contribution; nurse coordinates and reports |
Orem's Three Nursing Systems
| Nursing System | Patient Capability | Nurse Role | Clinical Example | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wholly Compensatory | Patient cannot perform self-care | Nurse does everything for patient | Comatose patient, total paralysis, newborn infant, critically ill patient | Maintain life, meet all self-care needs |
| Partly Compensatory | Patient can participate somewhat | Nurse and patient share self-care activities | Post-operative patient learning to ambulate, patient with paraplegia doing ROM, patient with one arm eating | Gradually increase patient participation |
| Supportive-Educative | Patient capable of self-care with help | Nurse teaches, guides, supports; patient performs self-care | Diabetic patient learning glucose monitoring, post-MI patient learning cardiac rehab, pregnant woman preparing for labor | Maximize patient independence and self-care agency |
Levels of Prevention in Nursing Practice
| Prevention Level | Timing (Disease Timeline) | Focus | Nursing Actions | Philippine Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | BEFORE disease occurs (before illness) | Health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention | Health education, immunization, nutrition counseling, exercise programs, safety measures, stress management, hazard reduction | EIP (immunization), water sanitation programs, smoking cessation education, dengue prevention in barangay |
| Secondary | EARLY disease stage (disease onset) | Early detection, prompt treatment, limit disease progression | Screening (BP, Pap smear, TB screening), early diagnosis, immediate treatment initiation, case-finding, surveillance | TB screening at RHU, prenatal screening for complications, BP checks in hypertension clinics, early STI treatment |
| Tertiary | AFTER disease established (disease/recovery phase) | Limit complications, promote rehabilitation, restore function, prevent relapse | Physical therapy, counseling, rehabilitation programs, disability management, palliative care, support groups, functional training | Post-stroke rehabilitation, cardiac rehab after MI, psychosocial support for mental illness, amputation care/prosthetics |
Three Learning Domains & Teaching Strategies
| Learning Domain | Definition | Focuses On | Teaching Method | Evaluation Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive | Knowledge acquisition | Facts, concepts, principles, procedures, understanding | Lecture, discussion, reading, videos, demonstrations, case studies | Oral/written exams, Q&A, teach-back of information |
| Affective | Attitude and emotional development | Feelings, values, acceptance, beliefs, coping, motivation | Group discussion, role-modeling, counseling, storytelling, reflection, peer support | Observation of attitudes/motivation, group discussion feedback, behavioral change |
| Psychomotor | Skill and technique development | Manual techniques, procedures, physical performance, coordination | Demonstration, practice, return demonstration, supervised practice, simulation, coaching | Return demonstration, skill checklist, observed performance, competency validation |
Diagrams
Professional Nursing & Nursing Theories Overview
Mind map showing the central concept of Professional Nursing with five major branches: Definitions (showing foundational thinkers), the Nursing Metaparadigm (four core concepts), Major Nursing Theorists (six key theorists), Nurse Roles and Functions (three categories), and Legal Framework (Philippine regulatory structure). This provides a bird's-eye view of how all chapter topics interconnect.
Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory: Nursing Systems Decision Tree
Flowchart showing Orem's three nursing systems as a decision tree. Starts with patient having self-care deficit, then branches based on patient's ability to perform self-care activities, leading to one of three nursing systems (wholly compensatory, partly compensatory, or supportive-educative) with clinical examples and goals for each. This helps students quickly apply Orem's theory to case scenarios on the NLE.
Peplau's Therapeutic Relationship Phases
Flowchart depicting Peplau's three phases of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Moves sequentially from Orientation (building trust), through Working (identification and exploitation phases where nurse guides), to Termination (independence and closure). Includes key characteristics and outcomes of each phase. Essential for understanding interpersonal nursing process on the NLE.
History of Nursing: Global and Philippine Context
Timeline showing the evolution of nursing from pre-modern intuitive care through religious eras, Nightingale's revolutionary work (1854-1860), to Philippine nursing development (1906 Iloilo Mission first school, 1922 PNA founding), and modern regulatory framework (2002 RA 9173). Helps students understand the historical context and landmark dates for NLE examination.
Professional Nursing License States and Transitions
State diagram showing the licensing pathway and transitions from BSN student through NLE, licensure, active practice, and potential states (renewal cycle, suspension/revocation for violations, or retirement). Illustrates the continuous accountability cycle under RA 9173 and PRC/BON oversight.
Levels of Prevention: Timeline and Nursing Interventions
Flowchart showing three levels of prevention mapped to disease timeline. Primary prevention occurs before disease onset; secondary during early disease stage; tertiary after disease establishment. Each level shows specific nursing actions and outcomes. Essential framework for community health and all nursing practice areas.