Middle Range Theory Paper
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- Date Submitted: 12/04/2011 04:01 PM
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Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory
Cecilia C. Singson
Olivet Nazarene University
Theoretical and Professional Foundations of Nursing
MSN 38
Deborah Raley
December 4, 2011
Abstract
This paper is about Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory, classified as a middle-range theory. It will give an overview and description of the theory, a plan of implementation in this author’s area of work and discuss potential barriers that may be encountered during implementation as well as a critique of the theory.
Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory
Every patient has a story and almost everyone wants to share it. A person’s story is a fundamental dimension of the human experience. Although nursing has evolved into a science requiring a large knowledge base and skill set, it becomes an art when the nurse integrates caring, compassion and empathy into his/her care of the patient. From the get go, as nursing students, we have always been taught to care for the “whole” person- that the patient’s psychosocial and spiritual needs are not to be neglected or forgotten even when the disruption of the physical continuum is what brings the patient to the hospital. Nursing theories allow the nurse to vary her care according to the patient’s specific needs. Two patients might be admitted for the same diagnosis but their stories differ. Each person is unique, therefore, each care plan is also unique and well suited to the needs of the patient taking into consideration his/her whole self. As nurses, this writer believe it is integral to our jobs to value our patients’ stories to care for them holistically. This is why I chose Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory.
Overview
Middle range theories are narrow in scope than grand theories and offer an effective bridge between the grand theories and the description and explanation of specific nursing phenomena ( Parker & Smith, 2010). Nursing scholars proposed using this level of theory because of the difficulty in testing grand theory (Jacox, 1974). They...
Cecilia C. Singson
Olivet Nazarene University
Theoretical and Professional Foundations of Nursing
MSN 38
Deborah Raley
December 4, 2011
Abstract
This paper is about Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory, classified as a middle-range theory. It will give an overview and description of the theory, a plan of implementation in this author’s area of work and discuss potential barriers that may be encountered during implementation as well as a critique of the theory.
Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory
Every patient has a story and almost everyone wants to share it. A person’s story is a fundamental dimension of the human experience. Although nursing has evolved into a science requiring a large knowledge base and skill set, it becomes an art when the nurse integrates caring, compassion and empathy into his/her care of the patient. From the get go, as nursing students, we have always been taught to care for the “whole” person- that the patient’s psychosocial and spiritual needs are not to be neglected or forgotten even when the disruption of the physical continuum is what brings the patient to the hospital. Nursing theories allow the nurse to vary her care according to the patient’s specific needs. Two patients might be admitted for the same diagnosis but their stories differ. Each person is unique, therefore, each care plan is also unique and well suited to the needs of the patient taking into consideration his/her whole self. As nurses, this writer believe it is integral to our jobs to value our patients’ stories to care for them holistically. This is why I chose Smith and Liehr’s Story Theory.
Overview
Middle range theories are narrow in scope than grand theories and offer an effective bridge between the grand theories and the description and explanation of specific nursing phenomena ( Parker & Smith, 2010). Nursing scholars proposed using this level of theory because of the difficulty in testing grand theory (Jacox, 1974). They...