Importance of Nursing Theory - Essay Example

Importance of nursing theory: Neuman’s Systems Model Theory Introduction The health care setting is persistently developing into a complex field with the application of nursing theories. In many instances, there has been no distinction between what nursing is and is not (Baavanthappa, 2007). As a result, nursing theory has been used to describe its boundaries from other medical fields. Notably, nursing theory is a phrase that is used to describe the body of knowledge that supports the nursing practice (Kim & Kollak, 2006). Theory is a systematic and creative way of viewing the world and its elements in order to describe or control it. Ideally, nursing theory offers the principles that reinforce practice (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Indeed, theory without practice is unimaginative, and practice devoid of theory is visionless. Theory refers to a set of conventional rules that can be tested. In essence, nursing theories offer nursing-specific identifications, explanations and correlations of concepts (McEwen & Wills, 2014). This gives the nursing profession distinction from the rest of science and medical professions. In essence, theory is paramount to effective nursing practice and research. This paper discusses the significance of the theory in nursing practice through the help of Neuman’s systems model theory. This paper will discuss in details the significance and application of Neuman’s systems theory to nursing by identifying its role in intensive care therapy. Scholarly evidence on Intensive Care Therapy Assessment The readiness to discover ideas and start a change as a section of the search for improved ways of providing care is paramount in intensive care nursing (Capers, 2006). In most cases, patients found in intensive care unit are heavily sedated or unconscious, therefore, making the patients poor communicators of needs (Capers, 2006). Because of this reason, the patient’s family of friends are reasonably important in determining what is best for them. Intensive care therapy is less effective if the care is planned individually by each nurse that is handed over from the nurse taking care of the patient in the previous shift (Krupa, 2003). This is because each nurse identifies distinct needs of the patient according to what they deem necessary to them. Therefore, the patient’s needs are greatly satisfied if the patient’s family is considered when offering therapy to patients (Krupa, 2003). Additionally, there ought to be effective communication between the staff members. Communication is particularly essential in intensive care unit (Neuman, 2004). The nurse has the responsibility of identifying the most significant aspects from a situation, make rapid resolutions and communicate to fellow nurses. The strategy for Intensive care therapy Assessment Since patients in Intensive Care Unit have many needs that require to be considered simultaneously and which require interventions from different nurses, there is a need for a model that structures communication in order to provide the nurses with a structure that would consider everyone’s contribution to the patient’s well-being (Mirenda, 2006). Nurses in the ICU cannot practice in isolation and, therefore, there must be a model that seeks the opinion of all the nurses (Marriner-Tomey & Alligood, 2006). The systems theory offers a model that allows the physiological needs of the patient to be met through a holistic integration of everyone involved (Aylward, 2006). The comprehensive assessment tool developed by Neuman can be applied to establish the needs of the patients. This assessment allows the caregivers to assess the needs of the patients using questions (Neuman, 2002). The assessment presented by Neuman’s systems model theory aids nurses to come up with assessment tools in the intensive care unit. Neuman’s theory aids these nurses by offering two important points to consider when formulating an assessment tool in intensive care unit. According to Neuman (2004), the assessment tools ought to include all the knowledge factors affecting the patient’s perceptual field and that both the caregiver and the patient should validate the definition of a stressor. Since most of the patients that come to the ICU are unable to communicate effectively, Neuman’s systems model theory also offers a structure that consider everyone’s contribution to the patient’s well-being, including the patient’s friends and family (Nueman & Fawcett, 2002). The information obtained from the assessment forms the basis from which jointly agreed nursing diagnoses can be formulated, and goals established. Concepts and Principles of Neuman’s Systems Model Theory Neuman’s systems model theory is an exceptional and system-based viewpoint that offers a uniting emphasis on approaching a broad range of health issues (Fawcett, 2001). According to Aylward (2006), this theory sees the patient as one open system that reacts to stressors in their settings. The primary patient variables include sociocultural, developmental, physiological, spiritual and psychological. This patient system contains a core framework that is safeguarded by lines of resistance (Mirenda, 2006). The normal state of health is recognized as the normal line of defence safeguarded by a line of defence (Mirenda, 2006). Notably, this represents the steady state of the health of the patients. This consists of the stages such as the developmental stages, coping patterns and lifestyle. This line represents the state of the well-being and adaptation of the patient. On the other hand, the stressors are available and may arise from the internal, external and generated environments of the patient (Neuman, 2002). This theory notes that the system is annexed once a stressor breaks through the lines of protection. Neuman (2004) asserts that this happens when the cushioning effect of the lines is not able to safeguard the patient against a stressor in the environment. The external lines of protection typify the internal aspects that determine a patient’s ability to react to a stressor such as the psychological reaction to bereavement, an immune reaction to an infection or the clotting response to bleeding. Neuman’s systems model theory argues that humans are in a state of continuous interaction with the environment and delineates the environment as the internal and external forces that surround a person at any given time (Fawcett, 2001). Additionally, this theory views the health of patients in terms of well-being range, which is dynamic according to the environmental aspects. This theory equates well-being to an intact line of defence (Mirenda, 2006) Neuman’s systems model nursing theory deems nursing as an exceptional profession that concerns itself with aspects that affect human response to stressors (Marriner-Tomey & Alligood, 2006). Therefore, this theory notes that the primary responsibility of nurses is to maintain stability of the patient system. Neuman (2002) notes that this can be through an intervention that reduces the stressors in the patient environments. This is attained through the nursing process, which Neuman (2004) defines as the nursing diagnosis, goals and outcomes. Nursing diagnosis is essential based on thorough evaluation and consideration of the five variables in the stressor environments. The nursing goals are deliberated with the patient in order to correct the discerned discrepancy from well-being while the outcomes are considered after an intervention (Aylward, 2006). Rationale for the Systems model intervention in ICU The patients in ICU have individual needs that ought to be given equal consideration. These needs include the socio-cultural, physiological, spiritual, psychological and developmental (Neuman & Fawcett, 2002). Therefore, there must be a holistic philosophy of care that integrates the needs of the patient’s family and friends. All the patients in ICU warrant to be treated with highest standards of care (Capers, 2006). Since the ultimate aim of nursing care is to reinstate a person to his or her earlier environment of well-being, the adoption of Neuman’s systems model assists in helping the patients attain a stable state of health. The Neuman’s systems model theory offers an assessment that can be used to identify the numerous needs of the patient (Neuman, 2002). This systems model theory offers a framework that considers the contribution of the patient’s family and friends in the well-being of the patient. Evidence Supporting the Issue The primary issue addressed by Neuman’s systems model theory is the improvement of intensive care (Krupa, 2003). Care is best achieved when the needs of the patients are identified and met. In the ICU, most of the patients cannot communicate effectively, and this leaves the nurse to think of what is best for them (Mirenda, 2006). However, this may not be effective if there is no coordination and communication between the nurses handling a patient and consideration of the patient’s family and friends. Ethical Aspects of the Intervention Life is very precious, and the sanctity of life is considered supreme. Therefore, a nurse ought to act in the best interest of the well-being of the patient. This intervention factors in the patient’s needs in order to offer best and efficient care (Neuman, 2002). Additionally, the Neuman’s systems model assessment intervention includes the patient’s family and friends, who have an interest in the patient, in determining what is best for their well-fare (Neuman & Fawcett, 2002). Conclusion The application of Neuman’s systems model theory to intensive care unit confirms the significance of nursing theories to the nursing. The use of Neuman’s systems model theory by nurses to generate and heighten their overall care to clients in the intensive care unit is a great step in the nursing profession. Systems model theory focuses on the sociocultural, developmental, physiological, spiritual and psychological aspects of individuals and their interaction with the environment. This theory views a human being as a layered, multifaceted being. Systems model centres on prevention as the only intervention. It aims at reducing the effect of the stressors and their response on the patient. The prevention takes place before the patient responds to a stressor. The assessment intervention offered by Neuman’s systems model theory to assist in identifying the needs of the patient aids in the prevention of damage to the central core by identifying the stressor and removing it. References Aylward, P.D. (2006). Betty Neuman: The Neuman systems model and global applications. In M.E. Parker, Nursing theories and nursing practice (2nd ed., pp. 281-294). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. Basavanthappa, B. T. (2007). Nursing theories. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers. Capers, C. F. (2006). Using nursing models to guide nursing practice: Key questions. Journal of Nursing Administration, 16(11): 40-3 Fawcett, J. (2001). The nurse theorists: 21st century updates—Betty Neuman. Nursing Science Quarterly, 14, 211-214. Kim, H. S., & Kollak, I. (2006).Nursing theories: Conceptual & philosophical foundations. New York, NY: Springer Pub. Co. Krupa, B. (2003). The nursing process and care plans in intensive therapy units. Senior Nurse, (6): 12-5 Marriner-Tomey, A. & Alligood, M. (2006). Nursing theorists and their work. Mosby-Elsevier: St. Louis. McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Mirenda, R. (2006). The Neuman model in practice. Senior Nurse, 5(3): 26-7 Neuman, B. (2004). The Betty Neuman health care systems model: A total person approach to patient problems. In: Riehl, 1. & Rev, C. (2004). Concentual models for nursing practice. New ‘York: Appleion-Century-Crofts Neuman, B. (2002). Assessment and intervention based on the Neuman systems model. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman systems model (4th ed., pp. 347-359). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (Eds.). (2002). The Neuman systems model (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Read More