Theoretical & Ethical Basis of Practice Paper
Theories made up of a framework that guided the science of nursing. These theories are
based on the formation of concepts and purposes to define what nursing is, to identify nursing
interventions and understand the reasons behind it. According to Beauchamp and Childress
(2013), autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice are essential principles of the
ethical nursing framework. The primary objective of the paper is to elaborate on the author’s
view as an advanced practice nurse (APN) on her phenomenon of interest (POI) of postpartum
depression (PPD). Furthermore, the purposes of this paper are to discuss the application of
metaparadigm to the POI, select and examine a grand nursing theory and a middle-range
theory that can associate to the POI, explore the POI as it relates to the complexity science
framework, and provide insight into ethical principles that pertain to the POI.
Phenomenon of Interest
PPD is a serious childbirth complication that leads to adverse outcomes and prevents
the natural relationship development between new mothers and their infants. PPD appears
immediately post-delivery up to 12 months and affects between 10% and 20% of new mothers