Middle Range Theory in Nursing Education and Practice

Introduction

Middle range theory is one of the critical and functional theories relating to the management of nursing principles and practices. According to this theory, there is a close relationship between nursing theory and practice when carrying out nursing activities. The theory proposes that nursing principles and theories should be connected within a productive framework. In order to meet the innate and special needs within healthcare settings, it is important to have performance measures that will increase productivity and effectiveness in nursing. Middle range theory addresses top-level management concerns and the use of equitable measures to solve problems arising from managerial shortcomings in the nursing profession. For instance, it can be difficult to connect nursing theory with empirical practice. Middle range theory is therefore a valuable framework that assists nurses and other professionals in delivering care to the best of their abilities (Basford & Slevin, 2003).

Middle range theory is useful in managing problems and challenges experienced within nursing education. Nursing education is an approach to professional development that ensures all nurses and related professionals are supported by equitable standards in the field (Fitzpatrick & Kazer, 2012).

Description of the Problem

Middle range theory is broadly applicable across every sphere of nursing life and activity. The theory provides directions, guidelines, measurable outcomes, and an understanding of the effects of nursing actions. Every profession has theories aligned with its mission, vision, and key objectives. Middle range theory forms part of an institution's core values and principles of success, equity, and accountability. Within a nursing or doctoral program, for example, professionals are expected to conduct themselves within defined standards of behavior. These standards apply to general duties as well as to academic activities such as conducting research (Ziegler, 2005).

One scenario that illustrates challenges in the field of nursing involves a nurse educator assigned to take over a large class of undergraduate nursing students — a mix of young adults and adults returning for a second degree. The subject matter is difficult, students have not been performing well, and frustration is impeding group work. Within this scenario, there are various middle range theory issues for both staff and students. The nurse educator must navigate meaningful differences among students and create conditions that support learning. What becomes evident is that the nurse educator must actively acknowledge the diversity of the student group rather than overlook it.

Nursing education is shaped by middle range theory and by the nursing professionals within the school. This theory is set to have a significant influence on classroom practices and student outcomes. It is particularly applicable in science disciplines, meaning that nurses who instruct students in these subjects stand to benefit from applying the theory's principles. The teaching staff plays a central role in determining whether middle range theory principles succeed or fail within the nursing program. The effects of new teaching approaches — both positive and negative — will be felt across the entire nursing school community (Meleis, 2011).

Middle range theory carries implications for nursing operations and professional behaviors. The nurse educator can act either for or against the principles of this theory; nurses are therefore fundamental determiners of the success experienced by the nursing school. Staff members, within their educational responsibilities, are connected to the outcomes of research that leads to the introduction of new practices. What faculty members do within the school is reflected in student performance, discipline scores, and behavioral outcomes.

Middle Range Theory in the Nursing Classroom

The governing body of nursing teachers within a nursing school must recognize that they are integral to the school's development and growth. The nature and quality of discipline among nursing students is closely tied to teacher performance. The introduction of nursing frameworks such as middle range theory is intended to support and oversee the constructive work of the school community. However, not all levels of the nursing program may have been involved in the full research and implementation process.

Within the ethical framework governing nursing research, staff and students function together in a way that can make any research initiative a success or a failure. Staff members must work as agents of success rather than obstacles to the school's disciplinary and academic goals. Nursing teachers, together with the disciplines they administer, are significantly shaped by — and contribute to — any technological or theoretical research undertaken by the nursing profession. Nursing education identified as problematic must also have measures in place to ensure secure and appropriate access to its resources.

Conclusion

Middle range theory ethics in nursing-based action research is a wide field of study that encompasses many dimensions of learning. Middle range theory is necessary for carrying out any research process in nursing. As illustrated in the scenario examined in this paper, middle range theory in nursing education provides a clear pathway through which respondents, initiators, and recipients of research are brought together into a coherent system. The ethical principles embedded in this framework enable the nursing school to implement research projects successfully, both within and beyond the school's boundaries. This requires ethical commitment and accountability from school leadership. The use of middle range theory is therefore valuable to the general principles and managerial practices found within the nursing profession (Peterson & Bredow, 2009).