Nursing is a theory-based profession, thus solidifying the need for nurses to consider how theories are applied to practice. The function of the middle-range theory is to describe, explain, or predict phenomena and be explicit and testable. Middle-range theories are more readily applied to research studies. In addition, middle-range theories are able to guide nursing interventions and change conditions to enhance nursing care. Furthermore, each middle-range theory addresses concrete or specific phenomena by stating what the phenomena are, why they occur, and how they occur.
The second discussion question will focus on middle-range theories. The second question is as follows:
What relationship(s) do you find between middle-range nursing theories and evidence-based practice? Provide one example that uses a specific middle-range theory to support your views.
The Course Objectives for this week include:
1 - Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing.
2 - Demonstrate logical and creative thinking in the analysis and application of a theory to nursing practice.
3 - Examine instances where theory is used to guide the development of new knowledge or implementation of evidence-based practice.