Grand Theory v. Middle Range Theory

Background of the Theories

Dorothea Orem’s grand theory and Nola Pender’s middle-range theory are some of the most popular theories in the field of nursing. These concepts are often used to define the approach that nurses should take when caring for their patients. Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory is one of the grand theories of nursing that has gained popularity in the recent decade. It emphasized the need for patients to have the ability to embrace the concept of self-care (Younas, 2017). It holds that individuals have a responsibility to maintain a healthy life and limit the need for hospitalization. Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model is a popular mid-range theory. It holds the view that health promotion enables individuals and communities to achieve full health potential when they adopt healthy behavior. It emphasizes the need for individuals to play a leading role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Nurses are expected to empower their patients so that they can understand the role that they should play and the significance of their active involvement in managing their condition. In this paper, the focus of the researcher is to compare the two theories and determine their relevance in modern-day nursing.

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Philosophical Underpinnings of the Theories

It is necessary to review the philosophical underpinnings of the two theories. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory holds the philosophy that individuals’ ability to perform self-care is critical in enhancing their health. According to Whelan (1984), it embraces the belief that the activities that people initiate and perform specific actions own behalf is critical in maintaining a healthy life and well-being. As such, nurses should be keen on assisting their patients to understand the relevance of self-care and the best approach they can take when they are at it. When one is recovering from an illness, an injury, or coping with the effects of a given disease, they have to understand what is expected of them, especially when they are adults. When dealing with outpatients, a nurse may not have the capacity to direct the actions of a patient when they leave the precinct of the hospital. The best they can do is to provide the necessary guidance to them.

Pender’s mid-range theory holds the philosophy that health promotion is essential in empowering individuals and communities so that they can achieve full health potential. Adoption of healthy behavior is critical in enhancing the health of people within the community (Smith & Parker, 2015). For instance, lifestyle diseases such as obesity and their related health complications are becoming increasingly common in the country. However, society can help fight this health problem by taking individual responsibilities (Alligood, 2018). They can check on their intake of calories and maintain regular exercise to combat the problem.