OBJECTIVES: To identify how education on nursing theory is addressed in undergraduate nursing courses in schools of higher education in the state of Parana. METHODS: A survey was conducted using a sample of the 35 coordinators of the nursing course of higher education institutions of the State of Parana, Brazil. RESULTS: 35 courses were identified that focused on nursing theory. The students are introduced to nursing theory early in the curriculum, usually at the beginning of the nursing program. Wanda Horta's theory was mentioned as the theory on which many courses were based (60%). CONCLUSION: The teaching of nursing theory is conducted in a fragmented manner, which may contribute to nurses' experience of low autonomy, and a lack of clear understanding regarding all of the areas of concern that the profession encompasses.
Nursing theory; Teaching; Higher education; Brazil
