The Linguistic Reframing Theory for Nurse Value Recognition: A conceptual framework centered on the narrative value model to reframe nursing’s role in economics and policy

Background

Nurses are central to patient outcomes yet are often framed as costs rather than contributors, a linguistic misalignment that constrains investment and limits strategic influence.

Purpose

The Linguistic Reframing Theory for Nurse Value Recognition introduces a conceptual model illustrating how language shapes perceptions of nursing within economic and policy contexts.

Methods

Grounding in communication theory, health economics, and nursing science, the model integrates six interrelated constructs and is operationalized through the narrative value framework (NVF), a strategy for embedding value-based language into documentation, leadership, education, and advocacy.

Discussion

Although early in development, the theory offers testable propositions and a research agenda for examining language as a lever for structural change.

Conclusion

In the value-based era, reframing nursing as a value-generating contributor is essential to strengthening the profession’s visibility, credibility, and investment.