Review the Learning Resources focusing on the different types of theories that are relevant for nursing practice.

To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources focusing on the different types of theories that are relevant for nursing practice.

Locate a scholarly article in the professional nursing literature that discusses a middle range or practice theory. Determine if the theory is descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive in nature.

With this in mind, consider how nursing theory is utilized in research. For instance, how might this theory be useful for identifying a research problem?

Then, reflect on your nursing practice. As indicated in Chapter 2 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing, theories differ in scope—from the more abstract metatheory and grand theories to the more concrete middle range and practice theories. Brainstorm examples of how theory is applied in your nursing practice. Identify one to share in this Discussion.

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following: 2 PAGES

Summarize your selected article, identifying the middle range or practice theory utilized, and explaining whether the theory was descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive. (Include the APA citation for the article.)

Describe the value of theory for nursing research.

Share an example of how theory is applied in your nursing practice.

REFERENCE

McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Chapter 2, “Overview of Theory in Nursing”

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 5, “Research Problem and Purpose”

McCurry, M. K., Revell, S. M. H., & Roy, S. C. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the individual and society: Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–52. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2009.00423.x

Algase, D. (2009). The centrality of theoretical thinking and the value of empirical evidence. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 23(4), 251–252. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.23.4.251