Self-analysis: Application

Even from a personal perspective, I have found the Orem model useful to use, when evaluating the stressors in my own life. When a nurse is under stress, she or he must ask: what can I feasibly accomplish physically, by myself, without compromising patient care? Nurses often put their own needs aside, in deference to the needs of others, but to reduce nursing 'burnout' it is essential that nurses are realistic about understanding when they should ask for help, and when they can function autonomously. Both autonomous functioning and self-care can be beneficial: a patient can gain a sense of competence even simply walking to the bathroom unaided, if he or she is capable of doing so; a new nurse gains a sense of capability performing skills without supervision. However, there must also be awareness of when self-care is not possible. Sometimes this is physically obvious, but on other occasions, particularly in terms of psychological or spiritual needs, these may not be apparent to the naked eye, like the depression that might be suffered after a diagnosis of a serious illness.

Implementing into practice

In my practice, Orem's theory is a reminder to encourage patients to be independent as possible, within the bounds of their health issues. Although it can be difficult, encouraging an older person who is about to be released to the care of patients to engage in basic self-care, like reviewing her medicine schedule or showering with minimal support, is ultimately beneficial...

However, forcing a patient beyond the capabilities of his or her self-care threshold can be dangerous, and also psychologically discouraging. Also in line with Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory I will also try to be vigilant to recognize that even when someone is physically capable (like the adult child of a dying parent) of self-care, he or she may need other self-care deficits to be remedied, to be fully functional (such as the need to be referred to counseling, to deal with the loss of a parent or the stressors of being a caregiver).
Conclusion

From my own perspective, as a nurse, I will also continue to monitor myself for self -are deficits. I know that I am most fully functional in my profession when I am eating and sleeping regularly as much as my schedule allows. I will try to work with my fellow nurses so that we are scheduled in a manner that does not result in overwork, or certain nurses working too many nighttime or double shifts. And nurses like myself must be mindful when they need support, either when providing care to patients, or psychological support when performing difficult duties.

References

Hohdorf, Monika. (2010). Self-care deficit nursing theory in Ingolstadt -- an approach to practice development nursing care. Self-Care, Dependent-Care & Nursing. 18(1) 19-25.

Retrieved November 29, 2010 at http://www.orem-society.com/images/stories/download/Journal/2010/Vol18_No01_Oct2010.pdf