A Discussion and Examination of the Primary Nursing Theory Levels

Explanation of Nursing Theories

The metatheory nursing theory is the most abstract nursing theory, focusing more on the study of nursing theories themselves (Parker and Smith, 2010). This branch of nursing theory also considers more theoretical aspects of nursing theory, including "soft" nursing practices. (Parker and Smith, 2010). The next most abstract nursing theory is known as the grand nursing theory. These theories concern themselves with the workings of actual phenomena within the field of nursing itself, such as patients as individuals (Parker and Smith, 2010). The third most abstract nursing theory type is known as middle-range theory. These theories act as a bridge of sorts between the more abstract grand-level theories and the practical nursing theories (Parker and Smith, 2010). In general, middle-range nursing theories concern more theoretical aspects of pre-existing practical nursing theories, or, in some cases, more practical aspects of the theoretical nursing theories (Fawcett et al, 2001). Finally, the least abstract nursing theory is the practice theory, which focuses on specific issues in nursing. These issues are almost always physical and able to be observed, and practical theories focus on direct solutions to these problems by utilizing evidence and other scientific tools to solve them.

Examples of Each Type of Nursing Theory

Metatheory nursing theory: Studying the viability of healing through touch therapy or other abstract nursing methods. (Parker and Smith, 2010).

Grand nursing theory: Studying the concept of individual people operating as unitary groups

Middle-range theory: Studying the effectiveness of a more abstract nursing theory through concrete research (Parker and Smith, 2010).

Practice nursing theory: The effects of vitamin B deficiency on the hormone levels of patients.

References

Fawcett, J., Watson, J., Neuman, B., Walker, P. H., & Fitzpatrick, J. J. (2001). On Nursing Theories and Evidence. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33(2), 115-119

Parker, M. E., & Smith, M. C. (2010). Nursing Theories & Nursing Practice. FA Davis. 10-11, 495-497. (Parker and Smith, 2010).