Middle Range Theories

This discussion focuses on the use of nursing theories to guide practice. The grand theories are broad and provide less direct guidance for specific practice. Middle-range theories provide direction for developing relationships and assessing and treating human needs. Middle range theories are discussed in Chapters 10 and 11 in Theoretical Basis for Nursing. McEwen and Wills (2023) classify Orem’s self-care theory as a grand nursing theory and is not acceptable for this discussion and assignment.

For this discussion, you will need to select a health problem, which you will use in this weeks summative assessment. Review Wk 2 – Summative Assessment: Applying Theory to Practice for specific details.

Respond to the following in an essay between 175 and 350 words:

• Select 1 middle-range theory. Describe the theory and give 1 example of how you would apply it to advanced nursing practice in general and specifically to your identified problem.
• Provide at least 1 current, peer-reviewed reference for the initial post. Cite your reference(s) according to current APA guidelines.

Textbook

Flanagan, J., & Beck, C. T. (2025). Polit & Becks Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (12th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2023). Theoretical basis for nursing (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.