Viewpoints on Theory - Coursework Example

Viewpoints on Theory: Link between Middle range theories and Evidence-Based Practice Nurse scientists have made efforts in the development of nursing theory as a section of the process of instituting nursing as a profession with an exceptional body of knowledge (Meleis, 2007). According to Blais et al. (2006), nursing theories offer nurses a language of nursing, a means of communicating the nature of the discipline both internally and externally. Therefore, theories are significant in decision making among nurses when caring for patients (Meleis, 2007).

However, theories differ in their degree of abstraction and scope. Middle range theories are concrete and narrow and constitute a limited number of offers and concepts written at a comparatively precise and concrete level (Blais et al., 2006). Some of the widely employed middle range theories are Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations, Orlando’s theory of deliberative nursing process and Watson’s theory of human caring (McEwen & Wills, 2014). All these theories have contributed to the development of evidence-based practice.

Indeed, middle range theories are polished through repeated research offering a more detailed emphasis. Notably, middle range theories are predominantly well-matched to empirical testing since the particular conceptions can be operationalized without many challenges (Parker & Smith, 2010). Middle range theories specify some of the associations between concepts in nursing evidence-based practice (McEwen & Wills, 2014). In this case, middle range theories such as Watson’s theory of human caring offer an explanation on the reason and the degree to which one concept of nursing practice is associated with the other.

On the other hand, middle range theories also offer predictions on the actual associations between conceptions or the effect of one concept on another (Blais et al., 2006). For instance, Orlando’s theory of deliberative nursing process addresses how alterations in the nursing process occur (Meleis, 2007).ReferencesBlais, K. K., Hayes, J. S., Kozier, B., & Erb, G. (2006). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.Meleis, A. I. (2007).

Theoretical nursing: Development and progress (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Parker, M. E., & Smith, M. C. (2010). Nursing theories and nursing practice (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA:  F. A. Davis