Understanding Nursing Theory - Essay Example

Understanding Nursing Theory Understanding Nursing Theory Introduction: Development of grand theory, middle-range and micro-range theory will be explained in the context of theorist work with examples. These theories were introduced in the mid of 1980s in Europe. Since that time nursing theories, became more popular in other areas of the world.Grand Theory:Grand theory covers the wide range of process along with discipline and goals of nature. Grand theory is composed of the abstract concept and substantially non-specific.

This theory lacks the abstract proposition as well as operational definitions. Sometimes, conceptual model and grand theory are exchangeable because both of these have a high level of abstraction.Grand theory presenters start theoretical formulation at abstraction level and these formulations never link the realities. Roy’s (1971) work was designated for the grand theory. Roy presented the adaptation model. In the adaption model of Roy, a person was perceived as receiving the adaptive system for inputs.

This input may be as the stimuli from the external environment, which is processed by the feedback or internal processes. These processes are inherent in the changing abilities of individuals and result into an output in the form of either ineffective response or adaptive (Parse, 2001).Middle Range Theory:Middle range Theory is less abstract and more specific in its scope, which reflects a practice and also addresses the specific phenomenon. This theory deals with a limited number of aspects of real world concepts.

A mid-range theory is made up of relative concrete concepts, which are concrete propositions and defined operationally. These concepts can be tested empirically.A period of ten years ago, Georgene Eakes, Mary Burke, and Margaret Hainsworth developed the theory of Chronic Sorrow. This is the application of the middle range theory of nursing that explains the periodic recurrence of a continuous sadness or grief feeling over an important loss. This presents the normal response to the loss. Because, parents always felt sadness over their children’s mental retardation and this response was not permanent.

Clinicians could intervene in these conditions if they had similar beliefs. This theory also related with the feelings of parents who have premature infants. Hainsworth, Eakes, & Burke (1994) found that mothers of those children with the spina bifida also had a pervasive sadness.Micro-range Theory:This theory focuses upon the specific phenomenon, which mirror out the clinical practices and has narrowest interest range. This theory is limited to a particular population or a specific field of practice.

A best example of micro-range theory, which is situation specification comes from the menopausal transition of the immigrant women from Korea. Also, women’s response when they are assigned multiple roles. Im and Meleis are two important names for the micro-range theory. Micro-range theory also refers to the most specific level theory of practice.Grand theory gives a complete framework for description, prediction and explanation of the nursing practices. On the other hand, middle range theory deals with the single aspect of the practices.

Therefore, middle range theory is less generalizing as compared to grand theory in nursing. Middle range theory is narrow in scope and can be tested easily because it is more concrete. Therefore, middle range theory is more applicable for patient care as compared to grand theory. Middle range theory also facilitates the sense making explanation assist the family members in an adapting the critical illness (Davidson, 2011).Conclusions:Most significant nursing theories have been explained with a reference to theorists and examples.

Suitability of each of the theory in nursing is also explained. Out of three theories middle range theory is more significant because of its practical applications.ReferencesDavidson J. (2011). “Facilitated Sensemaking: A Strategy and New Middle-Range Theory to Support Families of Intensive Care Unit Patients”, Crit Care Nurse October 1, 31:12-15.Hainsworth A., Eakes G., & Burke L. (1994). “Coping with chronic sorrow”. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 15, 59-66. Parse R. (2001). “Nursing Science Quarterly, theory research and practice”, Sage Publications, Vol 14. No.4.