Week 2: Applying Middle Range Theories to Nursing Practice
As a registered nurse or APRN, no doubt the issue of managing patient pain is one you have dealt with repeatedly. In identifying successful approaches to addressing and alleviating pain, you may have looked to theories of pain management to inform your practice.
The work you begin this week will guide and prompt you in the further application of theory to nursing practice. You will start with an overview of middle range theories, which in the world of nursing theory refers to theories that relate to particular phenomena, such as pain. Your study of nursing theory will be made more meaningful as you identify a practice issue of special interest to you and investigate nursing theories that apply to it.
As you continue to develop your philosophy of nursing practice, consider middle range nursing theories that may be defining for you. Expanding your familiarity with theories that inform the many dimensions of nursing will support your leadership as a DNP.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze issues in nursing practice
- Evaluate middle range nursing theories in relation to nursing practice
- Analyze middle range nursing theories in relation to philosophies of nursing practice
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
Optional Resources (click to expand/reduce)
Discussion: Exploring Middle Range Theories and Framing Practice Issues
- You will begin this Discussion by identifying a practice issue that will be your frame of reference as you analyze the theoretical basis of nursing practice. Be aware that your choice can potentially carry through the course, as you will continue to address this issue in the context of other types of theories in Week 3. This practice issue can also be one focus of your Module 3 exploration of evidence-based practice and quality improvement, and your Module 4 investigation of a critical practice question. Consequently, as you prepare for this Discussion, think carefully about your example for connecting middle range nursing theories to patient care.
To prepare:
- Analyze your nursing practice for issues of particular interest or concern to you. Identify one issue as the focus of your application of theory to practice.
- Review the Week 2 Learning Resources to identify specific middle range theories that may apply to your practice issue.
- Choose at least two middle range theories that might be most relevant and valuable in addressing your practice issue.
- Search the Walden Library for scholarly articles that address application of middle range theories to practice issues.
- Consider how to frame your focus practice issue in terms of the middle range theories that you have selected.
With these thoughts in mind …
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post an explanation of your practice issue. Then, describe two middle range theories that are most valuable in addressing this issue and explain why. Be specific and provide examples.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts.
By Day 6 of Week 2
Respond to at least two colleagues on 2 different days by suggesting other middle-range theories for them to consider. Support your recommendations with at least one scholarly article to share with each colleague.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
