Importance of Nursing Theory in Nursing Practice

Nursing theory provides a structure for decisions and practice for the professional nurse. There are three major types of nursing theory: "grand theory," "middle range theory," and "nursing practice theory." These theories serve to help the nurse give more efficient patient care.

Grand Theory

• Grand theories are general constructions regarding the overall nature and goals of nursing, according to Marilyn Parker in "Nursing Theories & Nursing Practice." They are the broadest in scope and serve nursing practice by being a synthesis of nursing experience, observations, and scholarship, according to Afaf Meleis in "Theoretical Nursing."

Middle Range Theories

• Middle range theories, according to Parker, are composed of specific concepts and research that can applied to nursing practice. These theories offer the nurse many practical strategies for delivering quality patient care.

Nursing Practice Theories

• Parker points out that nursing practice theories deal with the issues and questions that pertain to specific populations or practice settings. These practice theories provide models that help nurses deal with problematic day-to-day experiences in their practice.