Introduction

As we glance at the evolution of nursing we begin to realize that the practice of today has been built upon 140 years of research that is responsible for the growth and development of evidenced based practice. This paper will explore several theories from Florence Nightingale to today’s theorist in sequence to visualize the development of our current nursing practice Each theorist has its own unique conceptual model that propels our profession to think differently when applied to our practice. Evidenced based practice is therefore a deliberate, intellectual activity by which the practice of nursing is approached in an orderly, systematic manner also known as the nursing process (Walker & Avant, 2011).

Historical Timeline Theories are concepts that have been investigated and developed into theory to guide and explain nursing practice. Florence Nightingale was known as the pioneer of nursing theory, the first nursing theory that focuses on the manipulation of the environment for the benefit of the patient which has directed nursing practice for 140 years (George, 20011). Nightingale’s theory is based upon the belief that the force for healing resides within the human being and that, if the environment is appropriately supportive, humans will seek to heal themselves. Her 13 canons indicate the areas of environment of concern to nursing including ventilation, warming, health of houses , taking food, bedding, light, cleanliness of rooms and walls, personal cleanliness, chattering hopes and advices, and observation of the sick (George, 2011). As nursing evolved other theorist began to arise throughout the 1990’s. In 1952, Hildegard Peplau’s theory described the nurse client relationship as being centered on the communication between the nurse and patient by using therapeutic communication to enhance the relationship, thus