Sharisse T Watkins
Discussion Board Forum #2
NURS 502 - B02
Liberty University
Thread: Select one grand theory or models and one middle-range
theory or model. In your own words, summarize the main
components of each of these models/theories. Identify at least 2
strengths and 2 weaknesses of each of the models/theories in light
of clarity and practical value.
Grand Theory: Florence Nightingale
Environment Theory
Intentions
Florence Nightingale was not only considered an extremely
intelligent nurse for her time period, but a trailblazer for nursing as
we know it today. A lot of the health care practices that are
standard for hospitals and clinics alike stem from findings in her
research. It was in her early career during the Crimean War she
noticed the failure to provide clean water, air, food and adequate
rest was affecting the soldier's ability to heal. She was determined
to prove her efforts were lowering the death tolls of the soldiers
from 48% to 2%, and thus became the first nurse to use research of
this level (McEwen & Willis, 2011).
Components
"Nightingale believed that five points were essential in
achieving a healthful house: pure air, pure water, efficient drainage,
cleanliness and light," (McEwen & Willis, 2011). In other words, if
a care establishment had good airflow, clean drinking water, water
to bathe and wash hands, good means of waste disposal and
adequate lighting for both mood and circadian rhythm, patients
would see improvement in their health.
Nightingale also believed that nursing was an art, with a
side of science through medical care. She thought that nursing
should be a profession in its own right, be respectful but not
enslaved or beneath our doctor counterparts. And although our
nursing metaparadigm was not developed until much after
Nightingale's time, her beliefs, address all four components: health,
human, environment and nursing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
It is no secret, generations of nurses have used
Nightingale's theory to lead their research and practice.
Nightingale was extremely ahead of her time in believing good
health was much more than the absence of disease (McEwen &
Willis, 2011). It enabled medical workers to look at the patient
from a holistic point of view, including spirituality. This is the first
strength; it created a patient centered care view. The second
