Middle Range Nursing Theory

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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

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