Nursing theories can be categorized based on their scope and level of abstraction. Grand nursing theories are broad in scope and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding nursing practice. Middle-range nursing theories are more focused and specific and deal with specific patient populations or health problems. Practice nursing theories are focused on the practical aspects of nursing care, and provide guidance for the delivery of care in specific settings or situations.
How can a nursing theory be applied in practice? Example
An example of how nursing theory can be applied in practice is through the use of the Self-Care Deficit Theory by Dorothea Orem. This theory proposes that individuals have a natural desire and ability to care for themselves, but that in some situations, they may be unable to do so due to limitations such as illness or injury. In these situations, nurses can assist patients in meeting their self-care needs and ultimately promote their health and well-being.
Using this theory, a nurse working in a hospital setting can assess a patient’s self-care abilities and identify any deficits in their ability to care for themselves. The nurse can then develop a care plan that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs, incorporating interventions that promote self-care such as education on proper nutrition, exercise, and medication management. The nurse can also provide physical assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
By applying Orem’s theory, the nurse can empower the patient to take an active role in their own care and help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain their health once they are discharged from the hospital. This approach can lead to improved patient outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and more effective use of healthcare resources. Take a look at a comprehensive look at the Application of nursing theory featuring the major nursing theorists;