Middle Range Nursing Theory Essay

When reflecting on current trends of clinical practice, I feel that middle-range theories are more applicable. Middle-range theories are broad enough to incorporate in everyday clinical practice for the average floor nurse without being too narrow in scope as the situation-specific theories. Additionally, middle-range theories are less abstract than grand theories and are easier to relate to and put into practice (Liehr & Smith, 1999, p. 85).

Theory development stems from personal experiences, intuition, and knowledge of the theorist (Burns et al., 2013). When a scholar develops a theory, it has to be tested through research. The findings of the study are then presented to experts in the area of academics and the field of practice (Burns et al., 2013). The presentation of the findings allows experts to provide constructive criticism, highlight the pros and cons of the theory, and acknowledge whether or not the theory can be accepted as a guide to practice. This theory evaluation paper will give the reader a theory description, theory analysis, and an assessment of Dorothea Orem’s self-care deficit theory of nursing (Alligood et al., 2010).

Middle range nursing theories are abstract, testable theories that contain a limited number of variables. According to Chinn and Kramer (2011), middle range nursing theories can lead to new practice approaches as well as examine factors that influence the desired outcomes in nursing practice. One beneficial and widely used middle range nursing theory is the theory of unpleasant symptoms, developed collaboratively by Lenz, Pugh, Milligan, Gift, and Suppe in 1995.

Throughout nursing, there are many theories that nurses may come across and use. Calista Roy’s and Betty Neuman are two theorists that use two different types of models to encompasses the health, person, and the environment. Callista Roy uses a theory that promotes adaptation to the stimuli a person may encounter. Betty Neuman uses a theory that promotes equilibrium in a time where a person will encounter stress. These theories allow the nurse to bring a knowledge to learn more about the person and the factors that influence their health. Although with any theory there are different approaches in how the nursing plan is done, but with the patient in mind, it makes the difference in care that is given and allows for better outcomes for the patient.

Middle-range theories can be defined as a theory that illustrates the relationship among concepts to a specific situation which then can be implemented into a wide array of nursing scenarios (Meleis, 2018). Meleis, also states that utilizing middle-range theories can easily be tested and more likely to adapt into current nursing practice due to being less abstract and simple to understand, which makes it easier to implement into our everyday nursing interventions and assessments.

The middle-range theories for nursing as I understood are a part of the structure of discipline. These theories are mainly concerned with well-being, and conditions of people rather sick or well. Not only are middle-range theories concerned with well-being of people, but also human behavior as it relates to interactions in daily life situations. Lastly, middle-range theory is concerned with the steps taken by which positive changes in health status are affected.

To this end, I believe middle-range theories are best suited to advance nursing knowledge and practice in the 21st century. “Middle-range theories are at those levels of conceptualization that could inform nursing practice and research, and thus continue the cycle of advancing foundational knowledge and enhancing quality care”, (Meleis, 2012). Middle-range theories were created to help the nursing profession realize its overall mission and goal, now and in the future; to alleviate pain, suffering and distress, as well as promote health-seeking behaviors which will lead to improved health outcomes and attainable goals. Because middle-range theories lie in the middle of grand theories and situation specific theories, they are directed more toward specific interventions that can be implemented at the ‘bedside’. As such, they are designed to provide frameworks to manage patients’ experiences with symptoms, as well as the ability to understand responses to health and illness phenomenon.

The two theories that have helped to form my personal perspective on nursing are Erickson; and Rogers. Helen Erickson’s model is based on caring for an individual patient based on their own unique needs and perspective (Nursing Theories and Models, 2017). Erickson’s model took concepts from several other theorists such as Maslow, Padget, Seyle, and Lazarus and combined them to create a nursing model that takes care of each individual patient based on their needs ( Reed, 2017). This theory helps me to be more cognizant of the individual needs of my patient, not all patients regardless of disease process are the same. Each patient may have different underlying factors or circumstances that affect their health and current situation. Rogers’ theory is broader, viewing nursing as both an art and science, promoting health and wellbeing to patients regardless of where they are (Nursing Theories and Models, 2017). The science of nursing involves the knowledge and research of nursing, and the art is applying that science for the betterment of the patient. This theory views an individual as part

From my search I have noted that middle range theories are being used to develop valid instruments and processes for care of both specific and general populations. An example of theory developments and comparisons for a specific population include topics like unpleasant symptoms of chemotherapy relating to changes in cognitive status (Myers, 2009). An example of a more general theory would be, a practical application of Katharine Kolcaba's comfort theory to cardiac patients (Krinsky, Murillo & Johnson, 2014). These are just two of the many theories that I reviewed.

This essay will explore a needs orientated approach to the care that is delivered to a patient and examine the significance of the use of models and frameworks in the nursing process. It is intended to identify a patient with biopsychosocial needs that requires nursing intervention. Their holistic plan of care will then be critiqued in relation to the nursing model and framework utilised by the nursing staff.

This paper presents an analysis of Kolcaba’s middle range nursing theory, comfort theory (CT), using the method delineated by Meleis (2012). The nature of CT and its conformity to established standards are examined with regard to the following categories: the theorist, paradigmatic origins, and internal dimensions. This paper includes elements of a previous critique of the CT, conducted as part of the knowledge and theory development in nursing course at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University. Other theories which could be utilized independently or in conjunction with CT for this author’s topic of interest for future research are also briefly discussed.

Several nursing theories were foundational to the theory of self-transcendence. Parse's theory of human becoming (the concept of co-transcending) is a philosophical theme which Reed utilizes as a foundation for self-transcendence theory; the term refers to moving beyond with intended hopes and dreams (Reed, 1996). In addition, the co-transcendence process involves empowering the individual to help them change and improve for the better (Reed, 1996). According to Newman's theory of health, the purpose of transcending is to develop self-determination, self-limitations, and self-consciousness (Reed, 1996). Similarly, Watson's theory of human caring posits that transcendence can affect awareness of one's true nature as it emerges from one's inner self (Reed, 1996). Moreover, the theoretical perspective of

I support this theory which directly connects a nurse to the entire family  by providing holistic care .The Modeling and Role Modeling Theory was developed by (Helen Erickson), Evelyn M. Tomlin, and Mary Anne P. Swain.The theory enables nurses to care for and nurture each patient with an awareness of and respect for the individual patient's uniqueness. This exemplifies theory-based clinical practice that focuses on the patient's needs.The theory draws concepts from a variety of sources. Included in the sources are Maslow's Theory of Hierarchy of Needs, Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Stages, Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development, and Seyle and Lazarus's General Adaptation Syndrome.The Modeling and Role Modeling Theory explains some

This theory explains, describes, guides, and supports nursing practice. It gives language to the unspoken beliefs and perspectives of the nursing profession. This allows the nursing professionals to better envision, realize, and articulate their unique role in healthcare (Green & Robichaux, 2009). Human caring is the basis of therapeutic relationships between human beings (Wade & Kasper, 2006)

It is also used in diverse practice in global setting. It is used to guide practices to meet patient and family needs of patients in critical acute and chronic healthcare problems. It is a holistic approach that allows the nurse to conduct nursing practice base on nursing theory where by allowing individuals and families to meet their health needs that demonstrate optimum clinical nursing practice. It is a holistic approach in the care of the patient and through directing nursing education and clinical practice the Betty Neuman System Model is used. However, the effective conceptual transition among all levels of nursing education and is the basis for continuing education after graduation facilitating professional growth. It validates nursing roles and activities and in the nursing practice. It is a widely used framework used in nursing research that guides enhancement of nursing