Description/Overview: This symposium will explore and discuss the nature of theory development in holistic nursing. This process will include research studies which identified a theory of intentionality in healing, refinement of that theory through additional research and a study that tested the theory with an additional population in a real- life clinical situation. The clinical research was accomplished through collaboration and the development of a mentorship relationship between a university school of nursing faculty and a clinical nurse in a teaching hospital. This symposium will present an example of how holistic nursing research is an ongoing process and one that often involves repeated study with more diverse populations and additional methods. This work was conducted as unique collaborative relationships between practitioners, educators and researchers. This evolutionary process will enable us to develop theory and evidence based practice that is grounded in holistic nursing philosophy, and that fosters holistic care and the creation of healthful healing environments for practitioners and recipients of care. Group discussion will follow three presentations.

Learner Objective #1: Describe the components of the theory of intentionality, including initial develompent, testing and modification with diverse methods expanded populations.

Learner Objective #2: Describe a qualitative study exploring intentionality with Hatha Yoga class participants, conducted by a clinical reseacher in collaboration with an academic ressearch mentoring team.