Abstract:
Margaret Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness is considered a grand nursing theory, she
described a process of becoming more of oneself, of finding greater meaning in life, and of reaching new dimensions of
connectedness with other people and the world. Nurses in Kenya have mostly used the psychosocial-medical model to nurse
HIV infected patients which fails to answer many of the nursing concerns and reduces their autonomy in carrying out nursing
care. Newman’s theory proposed that: Health is not lack of illness, or a process to become healthy from being ill, but it instead
the expansion of consciousness as a result of choices made within the context of patterns of behavior. Methodology: This mini
review was an evolving emergent design. Slightly adapted ‘Advanced Theory in Nursing’ coursework materials were used. The
greatest resource were referrals to links and hints as offered by those who got interested in the study. A best case scenario is
appended. Conclusion: Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness is therefore a generic tool applicable to guide
psychosocial nursing care of clients infected with HIV. It would be a great resource with a potential to evidence based nursing
care. It would provide a basis for several case studies. Nurses find more fulfilment in their work by utilizing a nursing theory.
