Application of Middle-Range Theory to the Practice Problem of Nursing Shortage. Summary Nursing theories developed by scientists provide a framework for the process of establishing nursing as a profession with a specific body of knowledge including nursing language, and nurse is able to communicate inside in and outside of the profession. Theory supports and defines nursing practice and is used in practice situation to provide solution to the problem, provides guidelines in patient’s quality care, and helps to resolve nursing challenges. The benefits of middle-range theories found primarily in the research studies to address particular client population, in education, patient …show more content…
& Willis, E. M. explains the middle-range theories were first introduced in sociology in 1960’s then were offered in nursing in 1974 focusing on emerging disciplines because they were available to introduce through research in compare to grand theories. Middle-range nursing theory was established fifteen years later, and is reinforced by repeated criticism of the summary of grand theories and their difficulties in use to research and practice. The reason of middle-range theory is to define, clarify, and predict occurrences that easer to apply in practical situations, and potentially to direct nursing interventions, change circumstances of situations to improve the care and potentially best outcome. Focus on middle-range theory is supported by theoretical framework for research studies, tested by research and use in practice, and scientific end product expressing nursing knowledge. (McEwen, M. & Willis, E. M., …show more content…
In less stressful environment, nurses able to incorporate caring relationship, improve interactions between patient and a nurse, and develop understanding of the other person’s perspective (Nicely, K, Sloane, D., Aiden, L., 2012). Nursing educators and researchers developed theoretical frameworks for the nursing practice that are used to validate application of nursing knowledge and skills, and the theory gives a professional identity for nursing practice. Watson’s caring theory provides guidelines in transformational nursing practice, and stimulates nursing when profession experiencing shortages, decline, crisis in care, safety and healthcare reform. Nurse staffing issue creates potential challenge for nursing profession; therefore, nursing leadership should be involved, and actively participate to resolve it (Peterson, S, J. & Bredow, T. S., 2013). In conclusion, Jean Watson’s theory of caring, a middle-range theory, provides essential framework and guidelines in nursing shortage problem. Nurses who exposed to caring theory have moral and ethical obligations to care for others during challenging situations. Patients, families and other professionals depend on nursing profession, their expertise and knowledge for best patient
In order to understand middle range theories, a practical knowledge of the definition should be achieved before attempting to applying to concepts or classifications to the models. Middle range theories are defined as, theories that are fundamentally individual while incorporating a controlled amount of assumptions furthermore, having a limited characteristic of reality. These concepts are defined and may be tested (McEwen & Wills, 2011 p. 35).
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The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming Practice by Boykin & Schoenhofer recognizes the importance of identifying caring between the nurse and the one nursed as an applicable knowledge that the nurse must pursue. It is best stated that caring is not exclusive to nursing, yet it is uniquely lived in nursing (Alligood 2014).
Theoretical Foundations Nursing theories are defined as a set of concepts, definitions, relationships, and assumptions or propositions derived from nursing models or from other disciplines and project a purposive, systematic view of phenomena by designing specific inter-relationships among concepts for the purpose of describing, explaining, predicting, and/or prescribing (“Nursing Theories: A Companion to Nursing Theories and Models”, 2012). Nursing theories have been researched and carried out by many theorists that have concluded a foundation and process for how nurses practice and the basic concepts and explanations that are needed to carry out nursing responsibilities. Theories have also provided medical team members with the appropriate
Every person’s needs must be recognized, respected, and filled if he or she must attain wholeness. The environment must attuned to that wholeness for healing to occur. Healing must be total or holistic if health must be restored or maintained. And a nurse-patient relationship is the very foundation of nursing (Conway et al 2011; Johnson, 2011). The Theory recognizes a person’s needs above all. It sets up the conducive environment to healing. It addresses and works on the restoration and maintenance of total health rather than only specific parts or aspect of the patient’s body or personality. And these are possible only through a positive healing relationship between the patient and the nurse (Conway et al, Johnson).
Nursing theory can be applied to resolve nursing problems or issues, irrespective of the field of practice. A nursing theory benefits nurses and the patients that are in his or her charge. . Depending on the issue or problem that is needed to be solved determines what theory needs to be used. Nursing theory started with Florence Nightingale. She believed that a clean environment would promote better health. Virginia Henderson’s need theory emphasizes the need to ensure that the patient’s independence is being increased while in a health care facility. Ensuring that a patient can increase his or her independence allows for them to experience better outcomes upon discharge home. This is just two examples of nursing theories that were used
Watson first published her theory of caring in 1979 in a book titled, Nursing: Human Science and Caring. Watson and other researchers have built upon this theory and caring theory should continually be evolving as the delivery of patient care evolves. This theory focuses on care between the nurse and the patient. This interaction is defined as setting mutual tasks, how a spiritual force may help the interaction and when caring in the moment of true healing may occur. When the nurse and patient are on the same level spiritually self-awareness and self-discovery occur. There are ten themes identified in this article essential to caring in
One must have the full desire to help and care for people in order to have an enjoyable career as a nurse. Nurses are known for the care and compassion shown to the patients and this is comforting for both patients and their families. Caring for a patient can raise their spirits and can inspire a better outlook on their situation. As a nurse, I want to care for all my patients with the hope of improving their health and outlook on their life. I chose Jean Watson because she understands that caring is the core of nursing and believes caring promotes a better health than only performing medical care. She was the first grand theorist that focused on the aspect of caring for the patient while also caring for yourself as the nurse. Watson’s theory
Parker M. E., & Smith M. C. (2010). Nursing theories and nursing practice (3rd ed.).
Theory’s responsibility is to provide nurses with standards that reinforce practice, as well as, for future nursing understanding and delivery. Basically, it provides nursing professionals with a tested way of thought on how to handle certain situations with proven results. The importance of nursing theories to nursing research is the knowledge offered gives nurses the foundation for communicating with others and best practice. Middle range theory according to McEwen & Wills (2011, p 35) are theories that have concrete concepts, that are specific, incorporate a measured number of concepts and characteristics of the real world and are tested for accuracy.
While science and theories are both used in the field of nursing, theories provide a philosophic outlook into a patient’s overall outcome. A theory is far more than a mere thought or idea. Before a proposed theory can be applied, or understood, it must meet a criteria for acceptance that includes: inclusiveness, consistency, accuracy, relevance, fruitfulness, and simplicity (Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 76). Nursing theory is a unique language that seeks to demonstrate the ideas that are within one’s practice.
Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring. Since its establishment as a profession more than a century ago, nursing has been a source for numerous debates related to its course, methods and development of nursing knowledge. Many nursing definitions and theories have evolved over time. Furthermore, it is in a constant process of being redefined.
To make good nursing decisions, nurses require an internal roadmap with knowledge of nursing theories. Nursing theories, models, and frameworks play a significant role in nursing, and they are created to focus on meeting the client’s needs for nursing care. According to McEwen and Wills (2014), conceptual models and theories could create mechanisms, guide nurses to communicate better, and provide a “systematic means of collecting data to describe, explain, and predict” about nursing and its practice (p. 25). Most of the theories have some common concepts; others may differ from one theory to other. This paper will evaluate two nursing theorists’ main theories include Sister Callista Roy’s
According to nursingjounrnal (2005) Middle range theories are applicable to each aspect of the nurse profession from administration, education, and direct patient care. Since middle range theory lie between grand theory and specific situation theory. Most nurses believed that middle range theory intervention are more specific on solving problem and if implemented at the bedside as intended they will always bring positive outcomes to the patients . The focus on improved patient outcome and patient satisfaction will be the future development in nurse theory and middle range theories lend to this development. Evidence based practice developed through the use of research studies and theory will lead the nurse in to the future practice. According to Meleis (2012) “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”. To understand responses to health and