Dimensions of Nursing Practice

Tony Stewart

2 hours ago, at 5:49 PM

Nursing theories come in many different models. To compare and contrast the two we first need to define what a theory is. A theory is a speculative statement involving some element of reality that has not been proven(Catalano, 2020, pg 36). In simpler terms it is a unproven guess that one believes can be made a fact. A model has the same idea. A model is a smaller version of a concept that should have the same concept and operation in a life-size version.

When it comes to nursing models or theories they all have some form of similarities. The client or patient is the central focal point of each model. The complex relationship with the client has evolved to become more than healing or curing. Factors such as environment, mind and body, and family have a role in nursing for a client. Nursing models like to refer to people as clients because in nursing models being healthy doesn't necessarily mean you are sick. Health has gone through many changes over the years and it is why each model has different beliefs that make them different.

The two I would like to compare are Roy Adaptation Model and King Model of Goal Attainment. The clients in both models are products of their respective environments. Roy's Model refers to inputs and outputs with inputs being surroundings, family, and society. Outputs are the behavior the client demonstrates as a result of the inputs (stimuli). King's Model, the client evolves threw time because of physical, emotional, and intellectual needs but, also depends on others to help with these feelings. Health and illness are very different in each model. Roy's model, health is in the eye of the beholder. being able to adapt to your stimuli determines your health. King's model, health is achieved when you reach your highest level of function. Environments have the same concept as they are affected by any and everything in and around them. Nursing differs as Roy's is more close-ended nursing while King's is more one on one with the client, open-ended.

The model I can relate to the most is King's Model. Taking personal, interactional, and social into the evaluation of the client is important. All these things form a person along with interactions with other people. The five key elements of nursing align with my beliefs about nurse-to-client care. This model can affect my way of nursing by providing a foundation to build my one-on-one interactions with clients.

Catalano, J. T. (2020). Nursing Now (8th Edition). F. A. Davis Company https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/books/9781719641258

Serah Olayemi

Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Model and Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory are two prominent nursing theories that offer distinct perspectives on the nature of nursing and its role in promoting health and well-being.

Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Model:

· Definition of Health and Wellness: Orem views health as a state of optimal self-care ability, where individuals can meet their own self-care needs. Wellness, in her model, is achieved through the ability to engage in self-care activities effectively and maintain a sense of independence.

· Illness: Illness, according to Orem, occurs when individuals are unable to meet their self-care needs and require nursing interventions to regain or maintain health.

· The Client: In Orem's model, the client is considered an active participant in their own care. The focus is on empowering individuals to perform self-care and take responsibility for their health.

· The Environment: The environment is seen as the context in which self-care takes place. Nurses assess the environment to determine its impact on the client's ability to perform self-care activities effectively.

· Nursing: Nursing, in Orem's model, is centered on assisting clients in identifying and meeting their self-care needs. Nurses act as facilitators, educators, and supporters, enabling clients to achieve and maintain optimal health through self-care.

Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory:

· Definition of Health and Wellness: Watson views health as a dynamic state of well-being that encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Wellness, in her theory, involves the harmonious balance of these aspects.

· Illness: Illness is seen as an imbalance or disharmony within the individual, affecting their overall well-being and requiring caring interventions to promote healing and restoration.

· The Client: In Watson's theory, the client is viewed as a holistic being, deserving of respect, dignity, and unconditional positive regard. Caring is considered essential for healing and enhancing well-being.

· The Environment: The environment is considered an integral part of the healing process. A caring and supportive environment fosters positive health outcomes and promotes holistic well-being.

· Nursing: Nursing, according to Watson, is fundamentally a caring profession. Caring is at the core of nursing practice, and nurses are encouraged to establish meaningful connections with their clients, expressing compassion and empathy to promote healing and growth.

Selecting the Best-Fit Model for Practice: As a nurse, my personal inclination aligns more with Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory. This model emphasizes the significance of the nurse-patient relationship, focusing on the holistic needs of the individual. By embracing the principles of caring, I would strive to provide empathetic and compassionate care, addressing not only the physical ailments but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the patient. This approach would enable me to create a healing and nurturing environment, fostering a sense of trust and safety for my patients. By integrating Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory into my nursing practice, I would aim to promote well-being, facilitate healing, and enhance the overall quality of life for those under my care.

Reference;

Catalano, J. T. (2023). Nursing Now: Today's issues, tomorrows trends (8th ed.). F A Davis. 

Gunawan, J., Aungsuroch, Y., Watson, J., & Marzilli, C. (2022). Nursing Administration: Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Nursing Science Quarterly, 35(2), 235-243.  https://doi.org/10.1177/08943184211070582