Ruland and Moore's (1998) work on Peaceful End of Life Theory is similar in many aspects to the Theory of Caring. Both are middle range theories which are like seeds that are expected to grow into a more general understanding. Both of these theories emphasize caring and standards of care as important benchmarks in the evolution of nursing.

Peaceful end of life theory developed in a different manner and ultimately has a more specific aim than the theory of care. Peaceful end of life theory obviously focuses on one aspect of a humans life, death. Here the theories tend to diverge. Peaceful end of life theory is aimed at nurses who work with terminally ill patients. This approach has accepted death as the best possible outcome and strives to make that experience the most humane and peaceful it can possibly be. Theory of caring tends to focus more on living and extending life instead.

Intangible skills that manifest as caring are more important in this viewpoint. These ideas also demonstrate the incredible amount of power that nurses have in the healing process. This knowledge should motivate and inspire future generations of nursing as an even more important aspect of the healing process and society in general.
Works Cited

Ruland, C. & Moore, S. (1998). Theory Construction Based on Standards of Care: A Proposed Theory of the Peaceful End of Life. Nursing Outlook, 1998, 46, p. 169-75. Retrieved from http://eres.lndproxy.org/edoc/CNDAccel/NUR402/NUR402Ruland-03.pdf

Swanson, K. (1991). Empirical Development of a Middle Range Theory of Caring. Nursing Research, May June 1991. Retrieved from http://www.ncnurses.org/dotAsset/113036.pdf