Theory-Guided Practice Foundation

• Theory-guided nursing practices are divided into three categories of theories. Grand nursing theories provide general guidelines under which nurses work, providing an overarching concept, such as a general theory stating that reducing patient stress is beneficial to the healing process. Midrange nursing theories are more narrow in scope and provide specific guidelines for patient care, such as a specific set of rules to reduce patient stress. Nursing practice theories are the most narrow in scope, detailing specific responses to situations that nurses may face, such as detailing a number of specific tasks a nurse can perform to reduce a patient's stress while under the nurse's care.