Reply to the following discussion, APA style, 200 words or more, 2 references or more, Turnitin less than 20 %, No AI
Throughout the current eight-week course, the main area of discussion has to do with enhancing my understanding of middle-range theories and their application in nursing practice, as well as the role of mentorship in clinical practice. This reflective discussion looks at how the middle-range theories, which are practical, help one to dissect patient care challenges and how the process of being mentored has helped me in the learning process, hence promoting critical thinking and professionalism.
Many consider the middle-range theories to be significant in linking the broad grand theories with the day-to-day practice. The former are sufficiently specific to provide tangible orientation yet general enough to be useful in a wide range of situations and contexts, which has helped me a lot when treating patients. For example, when using self-efficacy theory, I have understood how to evaluate and facilitate the patient as a way of enhancing his/her confidence when dealing with chronic illnesses. This incorporation leads to the formulation of plans that meet patients’ physical and psychological needs, hence attaining theoretical promotion. Current studies have indicated that the use of middle-range theories has had positive results, and there has been improvement in compliance with the recommended treatment plans and hospital readmissions (Garcia & Brown, 2023). This EB acquires high values in clinical decision making and helps in implementing a patient-centered care model for recovery.
The second wave of transformation has been gained through the mentorship throughout this course. In addition, different mentors have supplemented formal teaching and shared their experience with me, as the process of clinical reasoning has expanded my knowledge and understanding of clinical decisions. Their constructive criticism has made me find the positive side of any hurdle faced on the course and has motivated me to embrace creativity in the delivery of medical care to patients. For instance, through the concept of mentorship, I have learned how to apply middle-range theories within the various forms of nursing practice, including clinical nursing, which would have increased my competency, especially in critical care units. Another key value that has been rooted in me by the mentors is that of working as a member of the multidisciplinary team and utilizing the evidence-based practice while continuing lifelong learning in a constantly changing healthcare setting (Chen & Patel, 2025). I would also like to express my gratitude to all the people whose support helped in developing my professional persona and creating a strong, patient-centered attitude.
As such, the congruence of middle-range theories and mentorship has been crucial in improving my practice of nursing. Through the implementation of these theories in the clinical areas, I have gained a fair understanding of patient care with a clear touch of the realities based on research and experience, for the uniqueness of individual patients. Also, the suggestions and advice given by the mentors have given me the strength and solidity in clinical decision making that is crucial for an advanced nurse practitioner. These experiences together have made it clear about the importance of theoretical knowledge and the worth of a mentor in enhancing the nursing practice and preparing for what lies ahead in the future.
