This document discusses applying borrowed theory to address an ethical dilemma identified in previous nursing assignments. It describes Afaf Meleis' transitions theory as a middle-range theory that could be applied. Transitions theory focuses on how people experience changes that affect well-being, such as developmental transitions like aging and death. The document then discusses how a borrowed theory, such as family systems theory, could provide additional insights. It reviews the origins and previous applications of transitions theory before discussing how both theories integrated could provide the most appropriate solution to the identified ethical dilemma.

1. Discussion: borrowed theory
Discussion: borrowed theory ON Discussion: borrowed theoryIt is important to
understand how borrowed theory can help you in your everyday environment as a nurse. In
the previous assignment, you identified a practical problem that emerged from the evidence
in the extant literature or professional practice, and you explored how middle-range theory
could be applied to solve the problem. In this assignment, you will explore and apply
borrowed theory to solve the specific problem that you identified previously, and you will
synthesize the applications of the middle-range theory and the borrowed theory into the
most appropriate solution to the problem.DIRECTIONS:Consider the problem that you
described in the previous assignments and the instructor feedback about those
assignments.Write a paper (1,750 to 2,000 words) that describes how borrowed theory can
be applied to the identified problem. The paper should include the following:A brief
summary of the problem including the potential middle-range theory that could be
applied.A description of a borrowed theory that could be applied to the problem. Is this
borrowed theory appropriate to your identified problem?A brief history of the borrowed
theory’s origins.A discussion of how the borrowed theory has been previously applied.A
discussion of the application of the borrowed theory to the identified problem. How would
your practice change by incorporating this theory?A discussion of how application of both
the borrowed theory and the middle-range theory can be integrated to create the most
appropriate solution to the identified problem.Prepare this assignment according to the
guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract
is not required.You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.1 Running head:
MIDDLE-RANGE NURSING THEORY Middle-Range Nursing Theory Anthony LaGrega Grand
Canyon University: NUR-502 February 20, 2020 2 Middle-Range Nursing Theory
Introduction An ethical dilemma is something that arises when judgment and value conflict
with morals and ethics (Cohen & Erickson, 2006). The contemporary world of nursing is
filled with autonomy and education. Nurses have the privilege to participate in decision
making that can prompt an ethical dilemma between personal beliefs and expected
circumstances. The more nurses educate themselves the more difficult an ethical conflict
becomes because of the level of knowledge that shapes our minds. Instances such as death
and dying, modalities of treatment, palliative care, and hospice care are examples that can
present a dilemma in ethics and decision making when providing nursing care. Transition
Theory Afaf Meleis s the middle-range nursing theory called Transitions theory. She
describes this theory as a circumstance in which nurses attempt to apply their health

2. promotion behaviors toward the transitions of care a patient goes through as they become
ill (McEwen & Wills, 2014). “Transitions Theory provides a map and a vehicle to understand
communicate and interpret what populations experience when faced with changes that
affect wellbeing” (Meleis, 2019). This theory can be useful toward the problem of ethical
dilemmas because it relates directly to the aspect of developmental transition which is a
subcategory of the transitions theory encompassing birth, adolescence, menopause, aging
and death (McEwen and Wills, 2014).This theory is appropriate in application of ethical
dilemmas since it utilizes “facilitators” and “inhibitors” which are causative factors that
contribute to the condition of the patient such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, or
personal meaning. The role of the nurse in this circumstance is to understand the
facilitators and inhibitors that contribute to the health of the patient thus developing a
deeper understanding of the condition. Transitions theory also 3 Middle-Range Nursing
Theory acknowledges “nursing therapeutics” which is activities nursing can take during the
time of transition of the patient (McEwen and Wills, 2014). Examples of nursing
therapeutics include assessment, preparation, and role supplementation. Assessment of
readiness includes the nurse and patient readiness for change. Preparation includes
education for the change about to take place and role supplementation includes putting into
practice the transitional change. All of these nursing therapeutics are used to illicit a
response called “patterns of response”. These are outcome indicators that can identify how
the nurse and patient are handling the transition (McEwen and Wills, 2014). Transition
Theory Origin Transition theory is based off the belief that most nursing care occurs during
the transitional period of health a patient is exposed to. Afaf Meleis is an internationally
known nurse researcher and medical sociologist based out of Egypt where she was born.
Her educated path started in Alexandria, Egypt where she received her Bachelor’s degree in
1961 and ended in Los Angeles California earning her Masters and PhD degree in 1968
(nursing.upenn). Meleis has served as a mentor for students all over the world advance
their knowledge driving change into practice. After graduating in California she spent the
next 34 years serving on the faculty of the University of California where she spent her time
publishing her work on the transitions theory.Dr. Meleis emphasized the transitions theory
to recognize the role nurses played as they are present while people go through health,
illness, and death. Her inspiration came from the transitional framework people go through
as they enter different time periods of life (nursing.upenn). Although retired today, Dr.
Meleis still takes part in conferences, mentorship and educational speaking as her work as a
nurse leader continues on. 4 Middle-Range Nursing Theory Previous Application The
transitions theory has been researched in applied in many different areas of nursing
practice. From motherhood, to bariatric surgery to death and dying the transitions theory
has help nurses and patient connect and develop a deeper understanding of healthcare
transitions. McEwen and Wills, (2014) reference the application of this theory as children
go through high school along with references as patients go through pulmonary
rehabilitation and experiences in the intensive care unit.Blum and Sherman, (2010) identify
transitions in cancer patients and tested this theory in assisting caregivers during this end
of life phase to allocate resources for the understanding of modalities of treatment.
Examples included education and application of knowledge to each individualized patient to

3. better assist the ethical dilemmas that can occur. Current Application Utilization of the
transitions theory would apply to an ethical dilemma circumstance by understanding the
application of facilitators and inhibitors of what caused the patient to go through their
period of illness. A nurse who has no knowledge of prior economic status, personal
experience or cultural belief can have a difficult time understanding a patient wishes on
course of treatment. The more nurses educate themselves on the facilitators and inhibitors
the easier it can become to deal an ethical situation. As nurses continue to advance their
education and role in nursing, a deeper understanding of ethical circumstances is
developed. As the standard of practice is elevated utilization of transitions theory can
continue to bridge the gap of an ethical dilemma. Conclusion One can attempt to prepare for
an ethical dilemma but until you encounter one the challenge goes untested. Through
application of the transitions theory nurses can attempt to 5 Middle-Range Nursing Theory
understand the road map of a patient’s health path. As we gain a deeper connection to the
patient we can learn to deal with the decisions of an ethical situation professionally and
personally to ultimately close the gap of and ethical dilemma in our daily work lives. 6
Middle-Range Nursing Theory References Blum, K., & Sherman, D. W. (2010).Understanding
the Experience of Caregivers: A Focus on Transitions. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 26(4),
243. Cohen JS, & Erickson JM. (2006). Ethical dilemmas and moral distress in oncology
nursing practice. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 10(6), 775–783.
https://doiorg.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1188/06.CJON.775-780 Meleis, A. I. (2019).
Facilitating and Managing Transitions: An Imperative for Quality Care. Investigacion en
Enfermeria: Imagen y Desarrollo, 21(1). Retrieved from https://link-
galecom.lopes.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A585449928/IFME?u=canyonuniv&sid=IFME&xi
d=05c817b8 McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN-13: 9781451190311 (Print-Text
Required) https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/live/profiles/69-afaf-i-meleis …Purchase
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