#1
The nursing theory that best aligns with my ideals in nursing practice is Imogene King’s goal attainment theory. Based on King’s perspective, effective communication between the nurse and the patient is essential. They should engage in dialogue, establish shared objectives, and mutually motivate each other to do the required actions to achieve these objectives. According to King, a patient has three fundamental requirements: knowledge, medical treatment needs, and education on sickness prevention (Petripin, 2020).
King’s theory emphasizes the need to consider the patient’s experiences and social milieu. King asserts that a nurse must aid patients in acquiring knowledge about their health to provide support. Within the field of mental health nursing, it is necessary to understand how societal factors like bias, discrimination, and social seclusion impact a patient’s mental well-being. This understanding must then be incorporated into the patient’s treatment plan.
As part of my current nursing practice, I regularly engage in conversations on treatment plans, post-discharge requirements, and the administration of medications. I provide support and assistance as the patient and their support system engage in goal-setting and strategizing. For example, our objective could be to enhance a patient’s vitality and emotional state while collaborating with an individual who has received a diagnosis of depression. As a nurse, I educate individuals on the importance of regular physical activity, a well-rounded nutritional intake, and sufficient rest in managing depression. I additionally aid the patient in establishing a timetable that incorporates these advantageous activities.
Another example of the application of Imogene King’s goal attainment theory in mental health nursing, particularly in nursing practice, is when a patient presents with anxiety disorders. The nurse and the patient may develop a goal to reduce the frequency and intensity of the patient’s anxiety attacks. Subsequently, the nurse and the patient would cooperate to devise a strategic course of action to achieve this goal. This could involve providing the patient with information about anxiety disorders, teaching them relaxation techniques, or helping them identify and treat the factors that trigger their anxiety episodes.
In conclusion, nursing theories like King’s goal attainment theory can provide a beneficial framework for assisting patients with mental health conditions. They emphasize the importance of an inclusive and patient-focused approach that considers each individual’s unique needs and experiences.
#2
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory is a nursing theory that emphasizes individuals’ ability to engage in self-care activities to maintain health and well-being. According to Orem, self-care is a learned behavior influenced by developmental, sociocultural, and health-related factors. The theory posits that individuals require nursing interventions when they are unable to meet their self-care needs independently due to a self-care deficit. Nurses assist individuals in identifying their self-care deficits and provide interventions to promote self-care independence (Alligood, 2018).
This theory aligns with my values and nursing practice because it emphasizes patient empowerment and autonomy. As a nurse, I believe in fostering patients’ independence and self-efficacy in managing their health. Orem’s theory provides a framework for guiding nursing interventions that support patients in developing self-care abilities, ultimately promoting their overall well-bein.
One professional example of applying Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory in nursing practice is conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify patients’ self-care deficits. For instance, during a home visit, I may assess an elderly patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. If the patient demonstrates difficulty with bathing and dressing due to physical limitations, I can collaborate with the patient and family to develop a care plan that includes teaching adaptive techniques and providing assistive devices to promote self-care.
Another example involves educating patients with chronic illnesses about self-management strategies. For instance, I may work with a diabetic patient to develop a personalized plan for monitoring blood sugar levels, administering insulin, and adhering to dietary and exercise recommendations. By empowering the patient with knowledge and skills, they can actively participate in managing their condition and prevent complications.
These examples demonstrate how Orem’s theory can guide nursing practice by promoting patient-centered care and facilitating patients’ self-care abilities. Orem’s focus on individualized care and the promotion of self-care aligns with the nursing profession’s commitment to holistic care and patient empowerment (Riegelman, 2017).
