Needless to say, any profession may be defined as credible only in case it has the potential to develop a theoretical background to address the needs of society. Nevertheless, nursing is built mainly on the applicability of practical skills in health care rather than theoretical studies. Therefore, to make sure that the nurses occupy a dominant place in the health care industry and society rather than subordinate, it is crucial to understand the importance of the mentioned theories and increase the overall importance of research in the industry of health care.
What is the middle range theory?
Middle range theory presents interconnected ideas related to the actual practice of nursing. This set includes a number of theoretical studies needed for the nurses to their professional development. As far as the enhancement of these theories is concerned, they develop at the point where practice and pure middle range theories overlap in health care. One should understand that particular theories are an inevitable part of the discipline’s structure to enhance its position in society. Approximately twenty years ago, the development of the particular theories became relatively common in nursing. Besides, in comparison to other theoretical studies, they are more limited. Therefore, middle range theory in nursing addresses the sufficient knowledge of this discipline and assist in expanding and clarifying particular phenomena in society related to the overall industry of health care.
Why do middle-range theories matter?
- The autonomy of practitioners. First, the nurses would be much more autonomous when a number of practices are conceptualized with the help of particular theories. Hence, the role of the practitioners in society will also be enhanced.
- The extensive research in nursing. Middle-range theories in nursing have already become the basis needed for nursing practice and research. When the authority of Nursing as a discipline is enhanced in society, the gap between nursing practice and science due to particular theories will be finally narrowed. These days, there exists the concept of “praxis” in health care used to refer to the important combination of theory-research practice that exists in the patient-nurse encounter.
- The development of strong practice. It would be anticipated that with the development of innovative practices that take place in modern society and the system of health care, a number of nurses applying theory will grow. Therefore, theory-guided practice will contribute not only to the development of nursing but also will improve the quality of care provided by the nurses and the patient’s wellness.
Some types of middle range theory in nursing
Theories of uncertainty
These particular theories were created to address the possible uncertainty that may occur. The theory presumes that uncertainty is an inevitable part of any illness situation, which is always unpredictable and may be influenced by a number of events in society. Also, the theory explains how the patients subjectively interpret their illness and relate it to possible treatments and outcomes.
Theory of meaning
This type assists the nurses in discovering meaning for the patients facing a number of life challenges. Many professionals in the sphere of healthcare use this particular theory in society, first of all, to understand the nature of a number of life stresses, one’s behavior and way of thinking when life-changing events take place, and the concept of human suffering. The application of this theory has also evolved from the individual level to groups and to the well-being of a whole society.
Theory of self-transcendence
The primary goal of this particular theory is to create an important framework needed for practice to promote well-being among the patients during a number of difficult life situations, especially when people face loss or life-limiting health issues. Therefore, these particular theories deepen one’s understanding of the patients’ psychology and help the nurses to deal with a number of issues.
Theory of cultural marginality
It goes without saying that with the increased level of globalization, a number of patients who are immigrants in a particular country continue to increase. At the same time, the chances that a culture conflict will occur also become stronger. Being caught between cultures, a patient faces a number of impacts on his or her health. The essence of the theory of cultural marginality is to give an important answer to the question how the practitioners may ease one’s experience in a new society to minimize the occurrence of culture conflict. The theory underlines not only the difficulties a person faces living between cultures, but also tries to find the link between the challenges in a new society and immigrant well-being. Therefore, it has direct relevance to real-world practice and research, especially when a culture conflict takes place.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is crucial for the nursing profession to continue the research on a number of middle-range theories and their place in society. Reconsidering the model developed during the concept building process, a number of middle range theories create logical backgrounds for the practitioners interested in studying the psychology of the patients when they face different issues, including culture conflicts. Particular middle range theories guide day-to-day practice and scholarly research needed in nursing. The coexistence of various types of theories in nursing show logical relationships between the studies and applies them directly to practice. Besides, the particular theories discussed above and many other theories that were not mentioned provide consistent information needed to develop a deepened realizing of research in nursing in society. Therefore, middle range theories present new opportunities for expanding nursing through the coexistence of research and theory, addressing possible culture conflicts, and identifying many other problems of health care.
