Nursing theories are developed as a foundation for nursing care. Some nursing theories have been around for hundreds of years and are still being used today. Within each theory there are four components of nursing. These four components are person, environment, health, and nursing. Two theories that are still commonly used today are the Theory of Interpersonal Relations and the Theory of Human Caring.
The Interpersonal Relations Theory was developed by Hildegard Peplau in 1952. This theory promotes the idea of the nurse-client relationship as the foundation of nursing practice. It is defined as “An interpersonal process of therapeutic interactions between an individual who is sick or in need of health services and a nurse especially educated to recognize, respond to the need for help” (Gonzalo, 2023). Peplau believed that the nurse-client relationship goes through stages and all stages must be met for the relationship to be successful. The three phases are the orientation phase, the working, or identification and exploitation, phase, and the termination, or resolution, phase. Within this framework, Peplau gives character roles that are typical in nursing: “the stranger role, in which the nurse receives the patient the way a stranger is met in other situations, and provides an atmosphere to build trust; the resource role, in which the nurse answers questions, interprets data, and gives information; the teaching role, in which the nurse gives instructions and provides training; the counseling role, in which the nurse helps the patient understand the meaning of current circumstances, as well as provides guidance and encouragement for change to occur; the surrogate role, in which the nurse acts as an advocate on behalf of the patient; the active leadership role, in which the nurse helps the patient take responsibility for meeting treatment goals; and the technical expert role, in which the nurse provides physical care for the patient and operates equipment” (Petiprin, 2023). This theory can be useful in helping the nurse to make decisions in various situations of patient care because nurses understand that the nursing practice requires the nurse to play different roles within patient care. Some strengths of this theory is that it “helped later nursing theorists and clinicians develop more therapeutic interventions regarding the roles that show the dynamic character typical in clinical nursing. Its phases provide simplicity regarding the nurse-patient relationship’s natural progression, which leads to adaptability in any nurse-patient interaction, thus providing generalizability” (Gonzalo, 2023). A weakness of this theory is that it does not focus on health promotion or health maintenance.
The Theory of Human Caring was developed by Jean Watson in 1979. This theory focuses on how nurses express care to their patients. Watson believes that caring promotes better health outcomes than simple medical cures and is central to the nursing practice (Petiprin, 2023). The nursing theory states that “nursing is concerned with promoting health, preventing illness, caring for the sick, and restoring health” (Gonzalo, 2023). This theory incorporates research as a form of caring. This process includes assessment, care planning, intervention, and evaluation; all of which are the foundation for every area of nursing. “One advantage to Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring theory is that it creates a generalized framework for nursing that can be applied to a variety of situations and patients. It also places the patient in the context of the family, community, and culture. The patient is the focus of practice rather than the technology. However, the “looseness” of Watson’s framework can also be a drawback in instances when something more structured is needed for the care of a patient” (Petiprin, 2023).
The scope of nursing practice is multidimensional and comprehensive. I believe that both of these theories are an integral part of delivering quality nursing care. A relationship between the nurse and the patient must be established to gain trust and rapport. This relationship allows for easier and more effective communication between nurse and patient. When a patient feels that they are cared for, they are more inclined to trust the nurse to make the best decisions for their care.
Gonzalo, A. (2023). Hildegard Peplau: Interpersonal Relations Theory. Nurse Labs. https://nurseslabs.com/hildegard-peplaus-interpersonal-relations-theory/
Petiprin, A. (2023). Jean Watson-Nursing Theorist. Nursing-Theory.org. https://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Jean-Watson.php
Petiprin, A. (2023). Hildegard Peplau-Nursing Theorist. Nursing-Theory.org. https://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Hildegard-Peplau.php
DQ 2: Select two different nursing theories and describe how they relate to patient care
NUR 513 Topic 4 DQ 2
Select two different nursing theories and describe how they relate to patient care. How could you use them for inciting behavioral changes? Discuss the pros and cons of applying each theory and how they could be integrated into your future practice. Are there any particular ethical issues related to the integration of these theories that should be considered?
In response to your peers, cite a study that used one of the nursing theories you discussed. Explain the impact of the nursing theory on your approach to patient care. Cite at least one source to support your response.
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There are numerous nursing theories related to nursing care, including the Watson and King theory. The Watson theory, developed by Jean Watson, is focused on caring. It addresses how nurses can express care to their patients. As any nurse knows, caring is a fundamental practice, which helps promotes better health outcomes. No patient wants a nurse who is rude or insensitive to their needs. Watson believes a caring attitude is not transmitted from generation to generation, instead believes it is transferred by the culture of the nursing profession; a way of coping with the environment (Watson, 2020). She goes into detail about how the nursing process follows a scientific research approach. The first step is assessment, where the nurse observes, identifies the problem, and makes a hypothesis. The nurse then creates a care plan, determining what data needs to be collected. The next step is the implementation and collection of all the data, while the final step is evaluation. The ev
aluation is the summary of the care plan, acknowledging if the nurse had the right care plan (Watson, 2020).
On the other hand, the Watson theory, developed by Imogene King, describes the theory of goal attainment. The theory defines nursing as “a process of action, reaction, and interaction by which a nurse shares information about their perception in a nursing situation” (King’s Theory of Goal Attainment, 2016). The theory also explains how interactions between the nurse and the patient, help set goals, explore means and agree on a plan to achieve those goals. In other words, the goal of the nurse is to help the patient maintain their health so they are able to function normally (King’s Theory of Goal Attainment, 2016.
Regarding nursing practice, both theories are essential skills a nurse needs to acquire to take care of their patients. Especially down in the emergency department, nurses are making logical assumptions about the patient’s symptoms and preparing the room for the doctor. For example, if a patient comes into a room with abdominal pain, the nurse knows the doctor is going to want to collect blood. This extra step of thinking is allowing results to be accumulated at a faster rate, allowing the patient to be discharged sooner. With these theories, I do not see any cons, only pros. A nurse needs to have a caring attitude, excellent bedside manner, have critical thinking skills while also being pleasant and tentative to the patient. The nurse wants the patient to get healthy and be discharged. These theories discussed possess no ethical issues unless the nurse gets too involved in the patient’s care. There is a fine line that could be crossed if the nurse steps over that boundary. For example, if the nurse really connected with a patient because of how much time they spent together and the nurse asked for money…that would be an ethical issue. It would violate the nurse-patient relationship. It is important to stay professional but also uphold a caring attitude.
References:
Jean Watson. Nursing Theory. (2020). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Jean-Watson.php
King’s Theory of Goal Attainment. Nursing Theory. (2016, June 6). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/king-theory-of-goal-attainment.php
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Hello Watson Theory of Human Care also states that nursing care should produce harmony between the
mind, body, and spirit. Care should focus on the physical needs of an individual and incorporate mental and spiritual aspect of the individual. This occurs through a systematic approach. For example, a hemodialysis patient should adhere to a hemodialysis treatment regime which includes fluid intake, diet, drug management and participation in full dialysis treatment. When incorporating the Watson theory of Human Care to evaluate the individual, it takes into consideration the individual physical, mental, and spiritual needs. When a patient has a problem with compliance, we can incorporate Watson’s theory. The treatment modality changes depending on the compliance of the patient.
Reference
Yangoz, Ş. T., & Özer, Z. (2020). Nursing approach based on watson’s theory of human caring in treatment adherence in hemodialysis patients. Bezmiâlem Science , 8(2), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.14235/bas.galenos.2019.3546
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Hi Amber, I agree with the post about Watson’s theory and the importance of providing self-independency to patients and caring for our patients. On the other hand, Henderson, in her “Need Theory,” explains that nurses also need to encourage patients to be more independent because this will help with the recuperation at home (Alligood, 2017). I believe both Henderson’s and Watson’s theories will promote patient autonomy and seeing as a whole person. In addition, when patient health improves and maximum independence is reached, the patient quality of care increases—the state of mind changes, and the patient feels that they can be more independent.
Read Also: DQ 1: Compare and contrast two nursing theories
Nurses apply many concepts in patient care, and the influence of theoretical concepts cannot be overlooked. Broadly, nursing theories enable nurses to improve care quality by allowing them to articulate what they do to patients and the rationale for their actions (Younas & Quennell, 2019). Among many theories, Katharine Kolcaba’s theory of comfort can guide nurses in optimizing patient care outcomes. Its fundamental principle is that comfort is a fundamental need for all patients achieved by providing relief, ease, and transcendence (Vo, 2020). In regular practice, relief enhances comfort, and ease promotes calmness, while transcendence is all about helping the patient overcome painful stressors. The other theory is Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory. Florence stressed that nurses and patients must be cognizant of the role of the environment in the healing process (Riegel et al., 2021). As a result, the patient should stay in conditions with adequate sunlight, fresh air, and pure water, among other essential components.
The two theories can be used to incite behavioral changes. In the theory of comfort, nurses should seek behaviors that optimize comfort and educate patients and families on achieving the same. The environmental theory can guide nurses and families to implement behavioral interventions that make the environment safe, comfortable, and supportive for patients to enhance healing (Riegel et al., 2021). Regarding the pros, both theories promote a patient-centered practice and holism in patient care. However (the cons), they require intensive nurse participation hence time-consuming. The environmental theory also requires nurses to factor in many environmental elements, including light, air, cleanliness, and drainage. Therefore, they must assess the patients continuously to ensure they stay in the proper care environment.
Acute care practice requires nurses to be conversant with all the patient’s needs. Active engagement of patients in the care process is highly recommended. Kolcaba’s theory can be integrated into acute care to optimize patients’ comfort. The environmental theory can be the basis of promoting holistic healing by ensuring the patient’s environment meets the threshold of safe, supportive, and comfortable surroundings. Ethical issues that should be considered when integrating these theories include informed consent, implications on safety, and their potential harm to nurses. For instance, engaging nurses too much in care might cause exhaustion (harm) and hamper their potential.
References
Riegel, F., Crossetti, M. D. G. O., Martini, J. G., & Nes, A. A. G. (2021). Florence Nightingale’s theory and her contributions to holistic critical thinking in nursing. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 74 (2). https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0139
Vo, T. (2020). A practical guide for frontline workers during COVID-19: Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory. Journal of Patient Experience, 7(5), 635–639. https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373520968392
Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an integrative review. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 33(3), 540-555. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12670