ɫ��ֱ��

Faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, and alumni from the ɫ��ֱ�� and ɫ��ֱ�� University Health are prominently featured in a newly published special issue of Advances in Nursing Science titled “Evolutions in Nursing Theory.” The issue, co-edited by Sharron L. Docherty, PhD, PNP, FAAN, Vice Dean of Nursing Research at ɫ��ֱ�� and Danny G. Willis, DNS, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN,Dean & Professor College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, brings together leading voices in the field to examine how nursing theory is being reshaped to meet today’s most complex health challenges.

At a time when health systems are rapidly evolving, this collection underscores the enduring importance of theory as the foundation of nursing science. The issue explores emerging directions in theory development, application, and integration, reinforcing how theory continues to guide research, education, and practice across diverse and global contexts.

A Defining Moment for Nursing Science

As the discipline responds to increasingly complex clinical, social, and structural health issues, there is a renewed call to revisit and expand the theoretical frameworks that shape nursing knowledge. This special issue captures that momentum—highlighting innovative approaches that strengthen how nurses understand and address pressing health challenges, from health equity and global HIV prevention to infant health and chronic disease.

Reflecting on the significance of the issue, Docherty and Willis wrote:

“The papers in this special issue demonstrate that nursing theory is dynamic, pluralistic, and deeply engaged with the world. They invite us to imagine new possibilities, challenge assumptions, and act with courage and compassion. Together, they affirm that the theory movement in nursing science is alive and well—spanning diverse paradigms and amplifying core values of discovery, relationship, trust, engagement, context, and social justice. As a collection, these papers offer practice-changing insights with profound implications for human well-being, the environment, and the advancement of nursing science, education, practice, and policy.”

Strong Representation Across the School Community

The School’s scholarly impact is evident throughout the issue. ɫ��ֱ��-affiliated authors contributed to 8 of the 19 papers, reflecting deep intellectual leadership and collaborative strength across career stages. These contributions span a wide range of topics and approaches, demonstrating the breadth of nursing science at ɫ��ֱ�� from conceptual advancements to applied frameworks addressing urgent health issues. Featured contributions include:

• Guest Editorial: Evolutions in Theory for Nursing Science — coauthored by Sharron Docherty

• An Analysis and Evaluation of the Theory of Moral Reckoning — PhD alumna Melissa Powell et al

• Trust-Building Across Levels of Care: A Conceptual Framework for Nursing Practice — PhD students Jill Sergison and Luke Velickoff and faculty Bonnie Hepler and Mitch Knisley

• Nurse-Led, Equity-Driven Quality Improvement: An Adaptation of the Donabedian Model — PhD student Thomas Merrill and faculty Michael Cary

• Evolving a Historic Theory to Address a Modern Threat: Infant Stress-Mediated Cardiac Arrest Following Cardiac Surgery — PhD alumna Ashleigh Harlow et al

• A Caregiver–Infant Interaction Framework to Guide Nursing Approaches to Supporting Early Relational Health: From Theory to Nursing Action — faculty Bonnie Hepler and Debra Brandon and PhD alumna Kaboni Whitney

• Integrated Framework for Assessing Multi-level Determinants of HIV Acquisition Affecting Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing Risk and Protective Factors (INFORM-HERS) — PhD student Maryam Al-Mujtaba, Dean Michael Relf, faculty Marta Mulawa et al

• Epigenetics, Structural Determinants, and Race: An Integrated Conceptual Framework for Embodied Stress, Resilience, and Black Women’s Cardiometabolic Health — postdoc Latesha Harris, faculty Schenita Randolph, staff member Shila Nordone, DUHS faculty Keisha Bentley-Edwards

• Self-Discrepancy Theory: Conceptualizing Internalized Weight Bias in Adolescents With Obesity — PhD student Caroline Kee and ɫ��ֱ�� Population Health faculty Cody Neshteruk

Leadership in Advancing Nursing Knowledge

Docherty’s role as guest editor reflects her national leadership in advancing theory-driven nursing research. Under her guidance, this special issue not only elevates contemporary scholarship but also fosters critical dialogue about how nursing theory must evolve to remain relevant and impactful.

Equally notable is the strong representation of scholars across the School community—faculty, trainees, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni demonstrating a vibrant, collaborative research ecosystem committed to advancing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of nurse scientists.

Continuing to Shape the Future

This special issue highlights the School’s ongoing contributions to national and global conversations about the future of nursing science. By advancing theory that is responsive to today’s realities, ɫ��ֱ�� scholars are helping shape more effective, equitable, and innovative approaches to care. Collectively, their work reinforces a central truth: strong theory is essential to strong practice and to improving health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

 
Read the full special issue: