Practice Applications Gail J. Mitchell, Contributing Editor Abstractions and Particulars: Learning Theory for Practice

Debates continue about the role of nursing theory in nursing and yet it is generally accepted that all knowledge is theoretical and all learning requires abstract theory. This column looks at the interplay between abstract theoretical concepts and particulars from nursing practice and research that are informed by theory and that at the same time expand understanding of the abstract notion. Examples from practice and research highlight the critical role of nursing theory. Some nurses wonder if nursing theory is important to the discipline of nursing, others reject it out right, and still others believe nursing theory is essential to the development of a professional discipline with a unique and valuable service mandate. The tensions among diverging beliefs about nursing theory are helpful—they spark debate that help clarify nurs-ing intentions and priorities—especially as they relate to ser-vice and knowledge development in nursing. Ultimately, the tensions and subsequent clarifications will move the disci-pline of nursing along a path in this 21st century and beyond