Assignment Question
Assignment Purpose Nursing theories play a vital role in the evolution of nursing as a discipline. They establish the critical contributions made by the profession and provide nurses with frameworks to guide their practice, grow professionally, and improve the care they deliver to patients. This assignment focuses on the importance of nursing theory within the profession. Selecting one nursing theorist and the middle-range theory they developed (non-nursing ideas are not allowed), the student will present a summary of the set nursing theory, identify opportunities for the application of the theory to a nursing situation (In this course, you have analyzed a middle range theory, you may the theory used in previous discussions). The student will include two scholarly peer-reviewed sources to support the nursing theory chosen. Requirements The two central aims of this assignment are to apply a middle-range nursing theory to clinical practice and to reflect on the experience. Consider the problem described in discussion nine. Write a paper (1,000 to 1,500 words, Approximately three pages) that explains how middle-range theory can be applied to the identified problem. The paper should include the following: A summary of the problem (nursing situation). Describe a nursing situation you have encountered in your clinical placement. The situation can be a specific physiological patient problem or a case involving a vulnerable patient’s family or a staff member. It can also describe your role in problem-solving or an ethical issue you encountered in practice. The key is you need to have been directly involved in the event. You must also maintain the confidentiality of your subjects at all times. Do not identify the patient, staff, or hospital site. A description of a middle-range theory that could be applied to the problem. Is this middle-range theory appropriate to your identified situation? For example, health promotion, especially preventive care, is essential for ethnic minority groups and the economically disadvantaged. The Health Promotion Model (HPM) (Pender, 1996; Pender et al., 2010) is a framework for delivering nursing care to support health promotion behaviors. An essential component of a nursing assessment is understanding personal factors (e.g., lack of finances to afford health insurance) and an individual’s perception of the benefits and barriers of engaging in health promotion behaviors. Screening recommendations and health promotion practices can be tailored to the patient’s and family’s cultural values and beliefs, finances, and community support when working with vulnerable populations. A brief discussion of the middle-range theory’s origins includes a short biography of the theorist and the main concepts of the middle-range theory ( See discussion nine). Discuss how the middle-range theory has been previously applied ( See discussion nine ). A discussion of the application of the middle-range theory to the identified problem. How would your practice change by incorporating this theory? The paper should be 2-3 pages, excluding the title and reference pages. The paper should start with an introductory paragraph that includes the purpose statement. Use headings and subheadings to organize the paper.
Answer
Introduction
Nursing theories serve as a foundation for the nursing profession, providing nurses with essential frameworks to guide their practice and enhance patient care. This paper focuses on the significance of nursing theories within the field and their practical application in clinical settings. Specifically, it explores a middle-range nursing theory and its relevance to a nursing situation encountered during clinical placement. The chosen nursing theorist is discussed, along with the middle-range theory’s origins and previous applications. Furthermore, this paper delves into the application of the selected theory to the identified clinical problem, emphasizing the potential improvements it can bring to nursing practice.
Summary of the Nursing Situation
During a clinical placement, I encountered a nursing situation that involved a vulnerable patient’s family. To maintain confidentiality, I will not disclose any specific details about the patient, family, or hospital site. In this scenario, I was directly involved in addressing an ethical issue. The situation revolved around the family’s refusal to follow the recommended treatment plan for their child, who was suffering from a severe chronic illness. The family’s cultural beliefs and concerns regarding the treatment’s side effects clashed with the healthcare team’s recommendations, leading to a challenging ethical dilemma.
Middle-Range Theory for Application
To address the identified problem, the Health Promotion Model (HPM) developed by Nola J. Pender (Pender, 1996; Pender et al., 2010) is a suitable middle-range theory that can be applied. The HPM focuses on health promotion behaviors and the factors influencing individuals’ engagement in such behaviors. In the case of the patient’s family, understanding their cultural values, beliefs, and perceptions of the benefits and barriers of the recommended treatment plan is crucial. The HPM allows for tailoring healthcare interventions to the individual’s specific circumstances, taking into account financial constraints, cultural considerations, and community support, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.
Origins and Main Concepts of the Health Promotion Model
Nola J. Pender, a nursing theorist, developed the Health Promotion Model. She is renowned for her contributions to nursing theory and the promotion of health-related behaviors. The primary concepts of the HPM include individual characteristics and experiences, behavior-specific cognitions and affect, and behavioral outcomes. The theory emphasizes the significance of personal factors, perceptions, and self-efficacy in influencing an individual’s engagement in health-promoting behaviors.
Previous Applications of the Health Promotion Model
The Health Promotion Model has been previously applied in various healthcare settings to address health promotion and preventive care. For instance, it has been used to develop tailored interventions for ethnic minority groups and economically disadvantaged individuals. These interventions consider personal factors, cultural values, and beliefs when designing healthcare strategies. By doing so, the HPM has been effective in improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among vulnerable populations.
Application of the Health Promotion Model to the Identified Problem
Incorporating the Health Promotion Model into the identified problem involving the patient’s family presents several benefits. Firstly, it allows healthcare professionals to engage in open and culturally sensitive communication with the family, acknowledging their beliefs and concerns. By understanding the family’s perspective and addressing their barriers to treatment, the healthcare team can collaboratively develop a treatment plan that aligns with the family’s values and preferences. This approach promotes shared decision-making and enhances the family’s involvement in the care process, ultimately improving treatment adherence and patient outcomes.
Secondly, the HPM’s emphasis on self-efficacy encourages healthcare professionals to empower the family with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their child’s illness effectively. Providing education tailored to their cultural beliefs and language preferences can enhance the family’s confidence in managing the treatment and coping with potential challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Health Promotion Model, as a middle-range nursing theory, offers a valuable framework for addressing complex clinical situations involving vulnerable populations. By applying this theory to the identified problem, nurses and healthcare professionals can foster culturally sensitive care, improve patient and family engagement, and ultimately enhance the quality of care delivered. Nursing theories like the HPM play a pivotal role in advancing the nursing profession and promoting patient-centered care.
References
Pender, N. J. (1996). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (3rd ed.). Appleton & Lange.
Pender, N. J., Murdaugh, C. L., & Parsons, M. A. (2010). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (6th ed.). Pearson.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are middle-range nursing theories, and why are they important in clinical practice?
Middle-range nursing theories are frameworks that bridge the gap between broad nursing philosophies and specific clinical situations. They are essential in clinical practice as they provide practical guidance for nurses to address complex healthcare issues effectively.
2. How can I identify a suitable middle-range nursing theory for a specific clinical situation?
Selecting a middle-range nursing theory depends on the nature of the clinical problem and its alignment with the theory’s concepts. Consider factors such as the patient’s condition, cultural background, and the specific challenges involved in the situation.
3. What is the Health Promotion Model (HPM), and how can it be applied in clinical practice?
The HPM, developed by Nola J. Pender, focuses on health promotion behaviors and factors influencing individual engagement in these behaviors. It can be applied in clinical practice by tailoring healthcare interventions to individual characteristics, cultural beliefs, and perceived benefits and barriers to care.
4. Can you provide examples of previous applications of the Health Promotion Model (HPM) in healthcare settings?
The HPM has been applied to develop tailored interventions for ethnic minority groups, economically disadvantaged individuals, and vulnerable populations. These interventions consider personal factors, cultural values, and beliefs, leading to improved health outcomes.
5. How does incorporating a middle-range nursing theory like the HPM improve clinical practice and patient outcomes?
Integrating middle-range nursing theories enhances clinical practice by promoting culturally sensitive care, improving patient and family engagement, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care delivered. It fosters shared decision-making and empowers patients and families to actively participate in their care.
