Professional Development in nursing is a vital aspect of advancing the knowledge and practice of nurses. One way to promote professional development is through the exploration and utilization of middle range or practice theories that provide a framework for understanding and guiding nursing practice. This assignment aims to locate three journal articles that present such theories and categorize them based on their purpose: descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive. Additionally, it requires conducting a concept analysis using either the Walker and Avant or Rodgers’ method on one of the topics provided: trust, fear, or hope.
To begin, it is essential to understand the different purposes of middle range or practice theories in nursing. Descriptive theories aim to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon or a situation. They describe the characteristics, components, and relationships involved in the phenomenon under study. These theories lay the foundation for further exploration and analysis. Explanatory theories, on the other hand, seek to explain why and how something occurs. They delve into the underlying causes and mechanisms behind a phenomenon and help in understanding the relationships and interactions between different variables. Predictive theories, as the name suggests, focus on predicting future outcomes or occurrences based on observed patterns and relationships. These theories assist in identifying potential outcomes or consequences and guide decision-making. Prescriptive theories provide guidelines, interventions, or recommendations for nursing practice. They provide practical insights and strategies to facilitate positive outcomes for patients and guide nurses in their day-to-day practice.
With these purposes in mind, let us proceed to the next step of locating journal articles that present middle range or practice theories. It is recommended to search in nursing databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, or ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source. These databases contain a vast collection of scholarly articles in the nursing discipline.
Upon searching the databases, three relevant journal articles presenting middle range or practice theories related to trust, fear, or hope can be selected. These articles can be evaluated to determine their categorization as descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive theories. It is important to critically analyze the content of the articles and identify the underlying purpose and nature of the theories presented.
The concept analysis section of the assignment requires conducting a deep analysis of one of the assigned topics: trust, fear, or hope. The concept analysis can be approached using two different methods, as mentioned earlier: the Walker and Avant method or the Rodgers’ method.
The Walker and Avant method is a widely used approach that involves several steps, including selecting a concept, determining the aims of the analysis, identifying the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and related concepts of the chosen concept. This method provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept under study, ensuring a thorough understanding.
On the other hand, the Rodgers’ method is a more concise approach that focuses on the attributes of the concept and its relationship to the concept analysis process. It involves identifying the defining attributes, the characteristics that identify the concept, and the consequences of the concept.
Both methods are valid and effective, and the choice between them depends on the individual’s preference and the specific requirements of the assignment. It is important to follow the chosen method diligently and critically analyze the concept selected, utilizing appropriate resources such as textbooks, scholarly articles, and nursing literature.
In conclusion, this assignment requires the identification and categorization of three journal articles presenting middle range or practice theories related to trust, fear, or hope. Additionally, it involves conducting a concept analysis using either the Walker and Avant or the Rodgers’ method on one of the assigned topics. By completing this assignment, students will enhance their knowledge of nursing theories, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to their professional development in the field of nursing.
