Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing, Essay Example

Middle range theories of nursing provide a framework for addressing a number of important challenges that nurses experience in the modern practice setting. Identifying problems and establishing theories to develop solutions is one of the core elements of nursing practice; therefore, this process requires theories that are able to address a wide variety of specific clinical problems that directly impact patients (Parker & Smith, 2010). These theories are less abstract in nature and address specific issues that are common in many nursing units, thereby creating alternatives for nurses to pursue that will directly influence the work environment and direct patient care (Walker & Avant, 2011). From this perspective, middle range theory supports the continued understanding of clinical problems and how to apply theoretical perspectives to support advanced practice solutions (Walker & Avant, 2011).

Middle range theory is important because it enables nurses to utilize theoretical perspectives, which is a task that is very difficult when theories are more abstract and generalized (Parker & Smith, 2010). As a result, nurses are able to examine problems through a new lens and develop possible clinical practice solutions that will have maximum impact on the patient care environment (Parker & Smith, 2010). There are critical factors to consider in applying middle range theories; however, this process is often highly rewarding and engaging for nurses who otherwise might struggle with broad concepts that may not be applicable to their unique practice environments when other types of theories are considered and employed (Parker & Smith, 2010).

Middle range theory raises additional questions, such as the following: 1) How can staff nurses apply middle range theories to solve clinical problems, i.e. how does the theoretical perspective translate to the actual problem under consideration? 2) What are the long-term benefits of middle range theory and its applicability to routine nursing activities?

References

Parker, M. E. & Smith, M. C. (2010). Nursing theories and nursing practice. (3rd ed.).

Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.

Walker, L. O. & Avant, K. C. (2011). Strategies for theory construction in nursing. (6th ed.).

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.