In this unit we explored nursing theories, models, and philosophies. These are frameworks with which to organize and evaluate nursing care. As you consider these, think about their applicability to patient care by responding to the following prompts:
Using an example from your practice(RN), describe a situation or patient scenario in which you can see the application of a nursing theory.
How does this theory or model align with your chosen activity or clinical situation?
What are the benefits and limitations of applying this theory or model in this situation?
Use professional references to support your interpretation.
Examples of nursing theories in this course
Nursing theories are a type of theoretical work in the structure of nursing knowledge to be reviewed in this chapter. Fawcett (2000) classified theories according to their breadth and depth. For example, a grand theory is a broad conceptualization of nursing phenomena, whereas a middle-range theory is narrower in focus and makes connections between grand theories and nursing practice (Parker, 2006, p. 7). Theories are less abstract than models and usually propose specific outcomes. Three theories are presented here that are well known and commonly used to shape nursing practice.
Click the tabs below to reveal theories of nursing including Middle-Range and those of Peplau, Orlando and Leininger:
Middle-Range Theories of Nursing
Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations in Nursing
Orlando’s Nursing Process Theory
Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality
Middle-range theories are those that are neither overly broad nor narrow in scope, usually incorporating a limited number of concepts and focus on a specific aspect of nursing. Middle-range theories are more focused than the theories described earlier and typically merge practice and research. These theories are based in empirical research and are often embedded within a larger theory. Sometimes middle-range theories are developed from theory from disciplines other than nursing. Some well-known middle-range theories include Swanson’s Caring Theory, which was developed from her work with couples experiencing miscarriage (Swanson, 1991). Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory was developed from studying men with prostate cancer who were “watchful waiting” for advancing of their disease rather than seeking aggressive treatment (Mishel, 1988). Jezewski’s Cultural Brokering Theory was developed from her qualitative research on the politically and economically powerless or those who were vulnerable as a function of advanced disease (Jezewski, 1995). You can see how close to practice each of these theories are; they were each developed from a specific population and grew from the theorists’ research and experiences (Black, 2017).
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