Discussion response 4

Respond to discussion below using current APA edition and at least 2 Scholarly references within 5 years or less. Must be at least 150 words.

Theories and Conceptual Models from Nursing

Theories and conceptual models give study structure. Without a theoretical foundation, research produces solitary data that might not be useful or applicable. Finding a model or theory that best fits a nurse researcher’s field of interest in research can be difficult. The graduate education era and research era, during which there was a greater grasp of knowledge and research growth, naturally led to the theory era. It became clear that isolated material was produced by study without a conceptual or theoretical framework. This knowledge and acceptance ushered in a new era known as the theory utilization era that stressed the integration of theory into nursing practice, research, education, and administration. Structures such as theories and conceptual models give nurses a viewpoint on the patient and professional practice. Conceptual models give phenomena structure, guide interpretations, observations, and provide additional guidance for actions.

What application to reality do nursing theories have? Why cannot caregivers just do what they do best? A theory conveys a mental picture of a specific order that is present throughout the world (Smith, 2019). Each nurse’s practice is governed by a model or viewpoint that is informed by the elements of this image. This model might be an exact replica of one of the well-known nursing theories, or it might be founded on a theoretical viewpoint from a different field. Sometimes, nurses combine components from well-known nursing theories or theories from different other fields to create eclectic models. New nursing ideas are constantly being created. Delineating nursing theories that take into account different cultural perspectives is crucial since many of the extant theories have not yet been influenced by Western philosophy. Whether there should be a single overarching nursing theory has been hotly debated.

The development of the field and discipline will benefit from the presence of a meta-theory or grand theory; the existence of a variety of theories has helped nursing (Younas et al., 2019). The diverse viewpoints outlined in these theories have aided nurses in better defining the nature of their vocation and discipline, assessing potential practice-relevant strategies, and respecting diversity as an asset. Seven theorists were named by Alligood and Marriner-Tomey (2005) as having created the main conceptual frameworks or grand theories for nursing: Roy (1984), Rogers (1970), Orem (1980), Neuman (1974), Levine (1967), King (1971), Johnson (1980). These are some of the key theories important not only to nursing field, but other fields as well.

Several other nurses have created conceptual frameworks or midrange theories that have been used as the foundation for practice and study. Nurses have lately started to focus on midrange theories. Grand theories are by necessity far more resistant to empirical testing than midrange theories, which concentrate on a small number of variables (Leandro, et al., 2020). Illustrations of midrange theories consist of illness trajectory (Wiener & Dodd, 1993), caring (Swanson, 1991), self-transcendence (Reed, 1991), mastery (Younger, 1991), resilience (Polk, 1997), uncertainty in illness (Mishel, 1990), and empathy (Olson & Hanchett, 1997). The assessments that are conducted and the types of interventions that are selected to accomplish specific outcomes are greatly influenced by the theoretical or conceptual framework that an Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) chooses and employs.

The significant influence a nurse’s theoretical viewpoint could place on a nursing practice. What one assesses is heavily influenced by their conceptual viewpoint on clients and nursing’s objectives. Whether or not they are aware of it, everyone has a viewpoint. If the point of view “in the head” and the actions done during the assessment are not consistent, issues may result. Information gathering must make sense in relation to one’s nursing philosophy. A conceptual model gives the practitioner a broad perspective or mindset regarding what is crucial to notice, which serves as the foundation for choosing nursing diagnoses and interventions.