Comparison of Grand Nursing and Middle Range Nursing Theories

Running Head: NURSING
0
Nursing 500
6/20/2019

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Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................... 2
Grand nursing and middle range nursing theory...................................................................2
Background of the theories............................................................................................ 3
Self-care deficit theory.............................................................................................. 3
Interpersonal relations theory...................................................................................... 4
Philosophical underpinnings of the theories........................................................................4
Orem’s theory......................................................................................................... 4
Interpersonal relations theory...................................................................................... 4
Major assumptions, concepts, and relationships...................................................................5
Orem’s theory of self-deficit....................................................................................... 5
Interpersonal relations theory...................................................................................... 5
Clinical applications/usefulness of the nursing theories.........................................................6
Orem’s theory......................................................................................................... 6
Comparison of the use of both theories in nursing practice.....................................................7
Specific examples of how both theories could be applied in your specific clinical setting................8
Parsimony................................................................................................................. 9
Conclusion.............................................................................................................. 10
References.............................................................................................................. 11

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Introduction
The report brings about the discussion on the concept of nursing theories, and their
comparison and other related aspects. Nursing theories are the concepts or theoretical visions
stated by the professionals in the nursing field, forms the base of clinical practices. Through
the creative and systematic procedures, nurses are able to develop and implement knowledge
required for improving the care of patients. Here, two types or kids or nursing theories will be
discussed, i.e. middle range and grand theories of nursing that will be compared for
assessing their use in the nursing practices. In addition, the discussion will mention the
usefulness or application of these nursing theories in context to the nursing and health care
(Smith & Parker, 2015).
In this report, I have selected the theory of self-care deficit nursing theory, as one
grand nursing theory and ‘Interpersonal relations’ as middle range theory. These theories has
been selected from the given textbook chapters, therefore these will be described effectively
to the readers giving an understanding of the nursing theory concepts. Thus, the report on the
analysis of nursing theories will be demonstrated with the help of suitable example and
appropriate literature.
Nursing theories (Grand nursing and middle range nursing)
To describe the grand nursing theory, it can be stated that these refer to the most
complex theories, and are often non-specific derived as the result of thoughtful insights and
research in the field of nursing. Grand theories are often composed by theorists, including
Erikson, Sigmund Freud, and Jean Piaget. On the other hand, middle range theories define
about a particular situation, in context to some limited available variables. In earlier years, the
focus of the grand nursing theory was developing and maintaining the nurse-client

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relationship, now the scope has widened. Now, the theories of nursing has adopted a holistic
view to enhance the care of patients and lead better health outcomes (Greenberg, 2017)
Background of the theories
Self-care deficit theory
Dorothea Orem developed the theory of Self-care deficit is recognised one of the
significant grand theories of nursing. Therefore, it is also known as the ‘Orem’s model of
nursing’ encompassing several components of self-care. As developed by the theorist, it has
been found that other theories of self-care are the part of self-care deficit theory (Younas,
2017).
In accordance to the self-care deficit theory, all the patients wish to undertake theie
own health care by themselves. These individuals can recover from their health condition, if
practitioners enable them to perform their self-care with their best potential. In this theory,
Orem identified number of requirements, to be fulfilled forming a condition for the theory. It
determines self-care, and consists of the developmental and other self-care requisites.