The Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, Coursework Example

Orem’s overall theory includes three theories: the theory of self-care, self-care deficit, and nursing systems. Her belief is that humans continual interact with one another to remain alive and function (McEwen & Willis, 2007). Thus it is important that they have the ability to identify their needs and make the subsequent judgments based on those needs. This theory focuses mainly on the patient and how to help the patient better promote his health and become more independent if his independence ever fails.

Her theory is based on four basic concepts. These are self-care, the self-care agency, self-care requisites, and therapeutic self-care demand (McEwen & Willis, 2007). Self-care would be considered as activities that an individual or group of individuals perform throughout their life in order to maintain optimal health and well-being. The self-care agency would be the individual or group’s actual ability to perform these self-care activities without supervision. Self-care requisites are the actions taken to actually provide the self-care needed. Finally, therapeutic self-care demand is the group of self-care activities that are required to meet these various self-care requisites (McEwen & Willis, 2007). Thus, a person has the ability to achieve his own self-care and meet his own needs as long as he is able to take part in the activities needed to ensure the well-being of his health. It is when he can no longer meet these requirements that a self-care deficit ensues.

This is normally the point when nursing care is needed. Patients normally have various needs in the realm of nursing care. The patient must sometimes be completely taken care of if incapacitated. If the patient is somewhat able to take care of himself, guidance is often all that will need to be met. After the guidance level has been achieved, teaching and education is importance so the patient has the ability to learn this aspect of self-care and will be able to achieve it on his own after the patient regains the ability to do so himself. Through all of the levels, support is important because it ensures a positive relationship between the patient and nurse (McEwen & Willis, 2007). This will help ensure the patient’s ability to get better and also ensure the nurse’s ability to continue to work well with the patient in order to meet the current demands physically and meet future emotional demands that will surely arise before the patient is completely independent.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Orem’s Theory

As for strengths and weaknesses of this theory, the strengths noted are the ability for the patient to engage in self-care through his own personal independence and the ability of nurses to educate the patient on how to achieve independence as soon as possible after recovery has begun(George, 1990). This is important because human nature deems is independent creatures. We want to be self-sufficient and not rely on others to meet our simplest needs. Therefore, we should be able to take care of our well-being when at all possible. The self-care deficit theory enforces this concept. The educational aspect of the theory also gives a reason for recovery because it motivates the patient to get better in order to regain that independence that we, as humans, desire(George, 1990).

As for weaknesses to the theory, the language of the theory is difficult to interpret for many(George, 1990). Also, the theory concentrates mostly on the self-care of the patient and the relationship between the nurse and patient is vaguely recognized(George, 1990). The relationship is important as well if the patient is to get well based on an emotional level. However, given the strengths of her theory, Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory is quite feasible in providing for the optimal care of one’s health and health promotion in our society.

Helen C. Erickson, Evelyn M. Tomlin, and Mary Ann P. Swain: Modeling and Role Modeling

The theory of modeling and role modeling is considered to be both a theory and a paradigm. The assumptions to this theory are that human adaptations of life are an innate drive toward growth and development of a more holistic nature. All of the self-healing, adaptations, recovery, and renewal processes are instincts and have no reflection on the aging process (McEwen & Willis, 2007). This theory intends to offer more of a sense of balance to a person’s life rather than focus on once concept or focal point. It can be used in various settings and has many applications.

Nursing is seen as a way to holistically help others achieve optimal health through nurturing. The theory actually encompasses several mid-range theories and has been applied in various clinical practice settings as well as research and educational programs. The theory basically states that individuals are both alike and different (McEwen & Willis, 2007). This is the paradigm. There are commonalities in all of us such as basic needs like food and water, stages of development, and the drive for independence. Likewise, there are also differences in each of us in regards to or genetics, our view of the universe, and how we cope with stress.

The application of the theory is to promote the study and continual integration of its properties into practice through education and research as well as in the clinical application (McEwen & Willis, 2007). Also, it is important to develop a support network to share this knowledge and information so that others will understand more about the information learned through these practices. Whereas the first theory was concentrated more on a focal point (being the patient), this theory offers a complete view of the holistic person and attempts for a sense of balance.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Modeling and Role Modeling

There are strengths and weaknesses in this theory. The patient develops character building strengths that previously may have not been demonstrated(Erickson, Tomlin, & Swain, 1983). Also, there is a sense of affirmation and positive reinforcement which is a positive emotional support method for the patient and will often help in the road to recovery(Erickson, Tomlin, & Swain, 1983). Many times a patient is not in the emotional state to understand his weaknesses and these are going to be evident through role modeling. He may or may not have the ability to be proactive about his health promotion and may not have the ability to understand this(Lombardo & Roof, 2005). It is important that this is communicated and not avoided so as to ensure the best outcome for the patient. Also, not every person is going to accept stress the same way. Individuals are going to have more difficulties with stress than other individuals(Lombardo & Roof, 2005). This theory must allow for that aspect and allow for failure as well as give the patient a chance to pick himself back up and attempt to try again so that the next time there may possibly be success.

References

Erickson, H., Tomlin, E., & Swain, M. (1983). Modeling and role-modeling: A theory and paradigm for nursing. Prentice Hall.

George, J. (1990). Nursing theories: The base for professional nursing practice (3rd ed.). Norwalk: Appleton & Lange.

Lombardo, S., & Roof, M. (2005). Clinicians’ forum: A case study applying the modeling and role-modeling theory to morbid obesity. Home Healthcare Nurse, 23(7), 425-428.

McEwen, M. & Wills, E. M. (2007). Theoretical basis for nursing (2^nd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.