Myra Levine Theory Critique
Running head: Theory Critique of Conservation Model
Theory Critique of Levine’s Conservation Model
Dana Carroll
Nur 600
February 24, 2013
Jacqueline Saleeby
Theory Critique of Levine’s Conservation Model
Introduction
Myra Levine proposed a grand theory of energy conservation. Using the Chinn and Kramer Model for critique, this paper will describe the theory reviewing purpose, concepts, definitions, relationships, structure, assumptions, and rationale for selection. Then, the theory will be critically examined for clarity, simplicity, generalizability, accessibility, and importance. Energy conservation provides a unique framework for education and current practice. Well-defined concepts of environment, health, nurse, and patient can guide research. However, the theory has limited application to some areas such as health promotion and disease prevention. Further refinement of this theory would beneficially develop the knowledge base of nursing, guide practice, and contribute to favorable outcomes.
Description of Theory
Purpose
Myra Levine was an experienced nurse and teacher who sought to educate medical-surgical students about major concepts in nursing. Levine wanted the focus of nursing to be patient-centered instead of task-oriented (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011). Also, like other early nursing scholars, Levine wanted to distance nursing practice from medicine (Meleis, 2012). Trophicognosis is a term Levine invented to replace medical diagnosis. Trophicognosis referred to nursing judgement arrived at by the scientific method; according to Meleis (2012) trophicognosis was a “useful beginning for the use of the nursing process” (p. 291).
Concepts
Levine based her theoretical concepts on her personal philosophy. Levine viewed man as “an ever-changing organism in constant interaction with an ever-changing environment” (Levine, 1969, p.93). Levine believed individuals respond to their environment in a systematic way based on their perceptual
Theory Critique of Levine’s Conservation Model
Dana Carroll
Nur 600
February 24, 2013
Jacqueline Saleeby
Theory Critique of Levine’s Conservation Model
Introduction
Myra Levine proposed a grand theory of energy conservation. Using the Chinn and Kramer Model for critique, this paper will describe the theory reviewing purpose, concepts, definitions, relationships, structure, assumptions, and rationale for selection. Then, the theory will be critically examined for clarity, simplicity, generalizability, accessibility, and importance. Energy conservation provides a unique framework for education and current practice. Well-defined concepts of environment, health, nurse, and patient can guide research. However, the theory has limited application to some areas such as health promotion and disease prevention. Further refinement of this theory would beneficially develop the knowledge base of nursing, guide practice, and contribute to favorable outcomes.
Description of Theory
Purpose
Myra Levine was an experienced nurse and teacher who sought to educate medical-surgical students about major concepts in nursing. Levine wanted the focus of nursing to be patient-centered instead of task-oriented (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011). Also, like other early nursing scholars, Levine wanted to distance nursing practice from medicine (Meleis, 2012). Trophicognosis is a term Levine invented to replace medical diagnosis. Trophicognosis referred to nursing judgement arrived at by the scientific method; according to Meleis (2012) trophicognosis was a “useful beginning for the use of the nursing process” (p. 291).
Concepts
Levine based her theoretical concepts on her personal philosophy. Levine viewed man as “an ever-changing organism in constant interaction with an ever-changing environment” (Levine, 1969, p.93). Levine believed individuals respond to their environment in a systematic way based on their perceptual
References: Fawcett, J., & Swoyer, B. (2008). Chapter 4: Evolution and use of formal nursing knowledge. In Advancing Your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing (pp. 50-81). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Levine, Myra E. (1966). Adaptation and Assessment: A Rationale for Nursing Intervention. The American Journal of Nursing, (66) 2450-2453. Levine, Myra E. (1969). The Pursuit of Wholeness. The American Journal of Nursing (69), 93- 98. Meleis, A.I. (2012). Theoretical Nursing: Development & Progress. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Sitzman, K., & Eichelberger, L. (2011). Myra Estrin Levine’s Conservation Model. Understanding the Work of Nurse Theorists: A Creative Beginning. Jones and Bartlett Publisher