Development of the Nursing Discipline - Essay Example

If one solved or understood a theory then it was no longer considered a theory. Theories were meant to confuse and offer no practical value thus the views widely held in the 21st and 20th centuries about nursing focused on obtaining the right outcomes and performing the right process respectively (Shaw, 1993). Such thinking is restrictive and holds researchers and in this case nurses from defining, interpreting and understanding data and discoveries related to their discipline.

Theories developed by different scholars view and define nursing from different angles. For example, grand nursing theories identify the discipline as broad, complex, nonspecific and may not be easily testable. The middle range theories focus on issues like anxiety, death, social support and the quality of life. Nursing science is not only restricted to medicine and practice but from early theorists and emerging trends in the industry, nursing involves other spheres of life such as the cultural, social, mental, environmental among other areas. The nursing profession prides itself on quality care for all people. This is a top priority for the nursing profession especially in this day and age where people have diverse needs and other conflicting issues surrounding the nursing profession (Meleis, 2011).

The theory provides nurses with a framework for goal assessment, intervention and diagnosis. It focuses on the care and is used as a tool to render more efficient and effective service which is described theoretically for different situations. Professional autonomy and accountability are also safeguarded in the theory in practice through principles in the theory (Meleis, 2011). In conclusion, theory helps in the identification of goals and enhances communication about care to the primary stakeholders. It also helps the nurses to gain control of several subject matters thus refining theory and relationships in the nursing profession.