Theories are derived from conceptual models and are comprised of concepts and propositions. The only concepts that are common to all nursing theories, in some shape or form, are patient, nurse, health, and environment. These are sometimes referred to as the basic metaparadigms of the nursing domain.
- Describe the four metaparadigms: patient, nurse, health and environment. Cite the sources you use.
- Choose a middle – range theory that finds practical application to your current area of clinical nursing practice, briefly describe the theory, and explain why you find this theory appropriate for your area of clinical practice.
Guidelines: To support your work, use the textbooks from your course and also use the South University Online Library, citing your sources in your work and providing references for the citations in APA format. Weekly lecture notes are designed as overviews to the topic for the respective week and should not serve as a citation or reference.
Submission Details
- In your discussion question response, provide a substantive response that illustrates a well-reasoned and thoughtful response; is factually correct with relevant scholarly citations, references, and examples; and demonstrates a clear connection to the readings.
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The four metaparadigms of nursing provide the foundation for understanding and practicing nursing care. These metaparadigms consist of the patient, nurse, health, and environment. Each metaparadigm represents a key aspect of the nursing profession and contributes to the conceptual framework of nursing theories. In this response, we will describe each metaparadigm and discuss a middle-range theory that finds application in clinical nursing practice.
1. Patient:
The patient metaparadigm refers to the individual or group receiving nursing care. It encompasses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the patient’s well-being. Nurses assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate care based on the needs and goals of the patient. The patient’s autonomy, dignity, and cultural values should be respected throughout the nursing process (Chinn, Kramer, & Chin, 2018).
2. Nurse:
The nurse metaparadigm focuses on the role of the healthcare professional providing care to the patient. Nurses are responsible for promoting health, preventing illness, and restoring health when individuals are unable to care for themselves. The nurse-patient relationship, therapeutic communication, and critical thinking are essential components of nursing practice. Nurses also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to meet the patient’s needs (Burns & Grove, 2019).
3. Health:
Health in the context of nursing refers to the optimal well-being of the patient. It is not merely the absence of illness but encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Nurses strive to promote and maintain health through education, prevention, and intervention. Health promotion focuses on empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being (Pender, Murdaugh, & Parsons, 2015).
4. Environment:
The environment metaparadigm includes the internal and external factors that influence the patient’s health and well-being. Internal factors refer to the patient’s physiological and psychological condition, while external factors encompass the physical, social, cultural, and economic surroundings. Nurses need to consider the impact of the environment on the patient’s health and provide a conducive care setting (Fawcett, 2017).
Choosing a Middle-Range Theory:
A middle-range theory that finds practical application in my current area of clinical nursing practice is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Icek Ajzen. This theory proposes that behavioral intentions are influenced by three factors: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. In clinical practice, the TPB can be used to predict and understand patients’ behaviors related to health promotion and adherence to treatment plans.
The TPB is appropriate for my clinical practice as it helps in assessing patients’ motivations and intentions regarding health-related behaviors. By understanding patients’ attitudes, subjective norms (perceived social pressure), and perceived behavioral control, nurses can tailor interventions to promote positive health behaviors effectively. This theory provides a systematic framework for addressing patient non-compliance, developing patient-centered interventions, and improving health outcomes in various practice settings.
In conclusion, the four metaparadigms of nursing (patient, nurse, health, and environment) form the essential building blocks of nursing theory and practice. Understanding these concepts allows nurses to provide holistic care and address the complex needs of patients. The Theory of Planned Behavior is a valuable middle-range theory that can be applied in clinical nursing practice to promote positive health behaviors and enhance patient outcomes.
