100 words.
Nursing grand theories provide a framework for understanding and explaining complex phenomena in nursing practice, and they guide research and practice by identifying key concepts and relationships. The theories are still evolving due to the changing healthcare environments, making them valuable in today’s nursing practice (Smith et al., 2023).
Nursing grand theories, such as Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring focus on the interconnectedness of the individual, humanity, and health which brings a holistic perspective making it relevant in today’s healthcare system. Butts & Rich, (2021) argues that by using nursing grand theories, nurses can better understand their patient’s needs and provide more effective care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.
In addition, nursing grand theories are often the result of extensive research and scholarly work, and they provide a theoretical basis for further research and practice. Nurses can expand their understanding of the complexity of healthcare and develop new interventions and approaches to improve patient outcomes by continually developing and using nursing grand theories (Roy, 2021).
Furthermore, nursing grand theories provide a theoretical framework for evidence-based practice. Grand theories help to identify best practices through synthesizing research and clinical experience, which can then be applied in various healthcare settings to guide nursing interventions and improve patient outcomes. For example, Betty Neuman’s Systems Model has been used to guide interventions in complex healthcare environments, such as intensive care units, where patients are at high risk for adverse events (Leandro et al., 2020). The ongoing development and use of grand theories ensure that evidence-based practices are continually evaluated, refined, and adapted to meet the changing needs of patients and healthcare systems.
However, there are counterarguments that nursing grand theories are no longer applicable to contemporary practice. One of the arguments is that these theories need to provide clear guidance for nurses in their day-to-day practice and that they are not applicable to every patient or situation. They may also be seen as outdated, as they were developed in a different era and may not reflect current healthcare realities, such as technological advancements and increased patient acuity.
The theories may be unnecessary in the face of other more practical and evidence-based models, such as the nursing process and risk assessment tools. These tools are often used in everyday nursing practice and provide nurses with a more concrete and practical framework for addressing patient needs. The theories provide general concepts and assumptions which could mislead healthcare providers in health practices. In addition, some argue that nursing grand theories are not cost-effective and take time and resources away from more immediate patient care tasks.
In conclusion, the ongoing development and use of nursing grand theories continue to be relevant and necessary for the advancement of nursing as a profession and the improvement of patient care. These theories provide a holistic view of nursing practice, contribute to the development of nursing knowledge, and provide a theoretical framework for evidence-based practice. While there may be arguments for their obsolescence, nursing grand theories remain a valuable tool for understanding and addressing the complex needs of patients in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment.
References
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2021). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Leandro, T. A., Nunes, M. M., Teixeira, I. X., Lopes, M. V. D. O., Araújo, T. L. D., Lima, F. E. T., & Silva, V. M. D. (2020). Development of middle-range theories in nursing. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 73.
Roy, S. C. (2021). Nursing theory makes a practice turn in the 21st century. Aquichan, 21(4).
Smith, M. J., Liehr, P. R., & Carpenter, R. D. (Eds.). (2023). Middle range theory for nursing. Springer Publishing Company.