Abstract
Even though there has been a dramatic increase in both the type and number of nursing theories, the infusion nursing specialty remains without a theoretical base. This article addresses the need for and types of infusion nursing theory. The obstacles to theory development, including the theory-practice gap in nursing, are examined in terms of their relevance to the infusion specialty. Suggestions for beginning to create a professional environment conducive to generating infusion theory and simultaneously bridging the theory-practice gap are introduced.