Clinical Applications, Usefulness/Value to Extending Nursing Science Testability Comparison of the Use of Both Theories in Nursing Practice

The two theories can only be significant if they can be clinically applied and are useful in nursing science. The striking similarity of the theories is their concept of self-care when it comes to managing the condition of a patient. This concept is critical in the field of nursing. Alligood (2018) explains that whether a nurse is managing an inpatient or outpatient, the role that these individuals have to play when receiving medical care is critical. Cases, where adult patients fail to take their medication as prescribed for them, are common. Sometimes they fail to take their medicine but lie about it, making it difficult for nurses to understand why their conditions are not improving. When dealing with a patient suffering from obesity or related condition, a medical practitioner may prescribe specific drugs that the patient may need to take to help regulate their calories intake (Öztürk & Ocakçı, 2017). They may also be advised to maintain regular exercise. However, it is upon the patient to take seriously the advice that the nurse offers, especially when handling adults. They have to understand the significance of self-care for them to take seriously instructions provided to them in the hospitals. These theories are useful and valuable because they explain how patients can work closely with nurses and other practitioners to regain their health.

Comparison of the Use of Both Theories in Nursing Practice

The definition and analysis of the two theories have identified similarities and differences that they have. One of the striking similarities is that both theories emphasize the relevance of patients taking control in managing their own health. They both hold the view that success in managing a patient’s condition largely depends on the actions that they take. In nursing practice, both of them can be used to empower patients so that they can understand their condition, how it affects them, and what they can do improve (Alligood, 2018). Despite the striking similarities, it is important to appreciate that there are differences in the principles and practice of the theories. Orem’s Self-Care Theory is a grand theory while Pender’s Health Promotion Model is a mid-range theory. Orem’s theory emphasizes the need for nurses to address deficits in self-care while Pender’s model holds the belief that individuals understand the significance of self-care and only need some knowledge on how to manage their condition (Smith & Parker, 2015). Both theories have proven useful in nursing practice and research.