Afaf Ibrahim Meleis - Transition Theory of Nursing

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Nursing

Transition theory creates a model that allows nursing to develop the appropriate interventions for their clients. For example, how an elderly Hispanic woman experiences pain is very different from how an adolescent Caucasian male experiences it. Therefore, the nursing interventions need to be tailored to the individual.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Transition’s theory aids in early interventions and focuses on ways to help patients cope with the new norm. Early intervention and addressing as they arise is important in client’s success. Where Meleis’ theory lacks, is in the research of the effects that transitions have on patients. More research is needed to see if providing more support and care to those going through transitions is actually beneficial to the patient's wellbeing.

Contributions to Nursing

Role transition clarifies and specifies the major role of the nurse. It assists the nurse in assessing the areas of vulnerability, readiness, environment and support. It demonstrates that providing education prior to, during, and following transition increases the likelihood of successful integration into this new role. It also provides a framework for planning nursing interventions with the goal of healthy stability (Meleis, et al., 2000).

Clinical Application

An example of a person going through a significant transition would be a patient that is scheduled to have a limb amputated. The patient may be aware of the transition, but not the scope of change. There may be periods of fearfulness, periods of denial, sadness, and grief. In caring for this patient, aside from making sure the patient’s medical needs are met, the nurse could arrange for the patient to meet with someone that has gone through a similar change. This would allow the client to hear firsthand how they have adapted, what hurdles they have faced, and how they have overcome this drastic life event. Encouraging and engaging the client to speak about his feelings related to the surgery is also important. Allow the client to grieve and be angry. After the surgery, he may perceive himself to be different and not “whole”, and feel that there is something missing and he is incomplete. During the transition, there will be a period of pre-surgery, inpatient status, and rehabilitation that will be managed by various persons. The patient will need different therapeutics at each level specific to his care at that time. This includes physical therapy and occupational therapy to help learn ambulation and transfer techniques, and assist with rehabilitation services. When the client has learned to accept and has become accustomed to his new way of life, it is said that a successful transition has occurred. The period of transition is marked by the loss of his limb and in the process of healing and rehabilitation new ways of accomplishing goals is learned (Alligood & Tomey, 2010).

References

Meleis, A. I. (2010). Theoretical nursing: Middle Range and Situation Specific Theories in Nursing Research and Practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Alligood, M. R., & Tomey, A. M. (2010). Nursing theorists and their work. Maryland

Heights, MO: Mosby.

Chick, N., & Meleis, A. I. (1986). Transitions: A nursing concern. In P.L. Chinn (Ed.).

(1986). Nursing research methodology, (pp. 237-257). Boulder, CO: Aspen

Masters, K. (2017). Role development in professional nursing practice (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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