Comparison of selected nursing theories and their evolution in practice

Introduction

Nursing has experienced a great deal of evolution as not only a profession but also as a science as well. In this course of time, nursing theories have elucidated, examined, delineated particular areas. The nursing theory considered for this paper is Imogene King’s theory of goal attainment. One of the basic suppositions of this nursing theory is that human beings are basically open systems that are in incessant interaction with their environment. Therefore, in that regard, he or she has a right to self-knowledge and taking part in decisions that have an impact on their health and life. Another key assumption of the theory is that the nurse and the patient communicate and relay information, set goals together and subsequently partake in actions to attain such goals. Nursing is perceived to be an interpersonal procedure of action, reaction, interrelation, and transaction. Health is deemed to be a changing state within the life cycle and therefore, illness is considered to be interfering with the continuum of the life cycle (Messmer, 2006).

Nursing theory and its Evolution

The Goal Attainment Theory is distinctive and was employed by Imogene to define relational and vibrant affiliation directed at accomplishing patient’s life objectives henceforth a vital one for development in nursing training and exercise. This model includes three interrelating systems. To begin with, there is the personal system that comprises of growth and development, discernment, body appearance, time and space. Secondly, there is the interpersonal system that comprises of communication, relations, transaction, pressure and roles. Lastly, there is the social system that comprises of organization, control, ability, decision-making and rank. For that reason, the main points from Imogene’s theory is that the objective of nursing is human care. The Goal Attainment Theory is deemed to have evolved from Von Bertalanffly’s General Systems Theory. The latter’s fundamental constituents comprised of goal, structure, resources, functions, in addition to decision making. This theory delineated that a system is an intricate of interrelating components and that they are exposed to and intermingle with their environments (Fawcett, 2001).

Schematic Model

A schematic model gives a depiction of the nursing concepts and delineates the manner in which the concepts are in association with the utilization of images. The following is a schematic model that provides an illustration of the nursing theory of goal attainment:

Perception Transaction Perception
Nurse Agree in means Action Nurse
Reaction
Explore means Disturbance
Communication Communication
Mutual goal setting

The proposition of the theory is that if there exists precision in perceptual interaction within the interactions between the nurse and the client, then transaction will take place. If both the client and nurse make a transaction, the goal will be achieved, which will lead to satisfaction. Furthermore, if transactions take place between the nurse and client interactions, then there will be improvement in growth and development. One of the key aspects that adversely impact the transaction is role conflict and this leads to stress in the interrelation between the nurse and the client. If a nurse has special and distinctive knowledge is in communication with the client and provides suitable information, then mutual setting of goals takes place and goal attainment also takes place.

Values, Attitudes and Roles

The theory of goal attainment can be applied to the prevailing values, attitudes and roles of nursing, taking into consideration that evolution plays a major role. The phases of the nursing process include assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. To begin with, assessment occurs during interaction. In this regard, the nurse employs his or her special understanding and skills whereas the patients renders their individual information in addition to he perception of the issues of worry to the interaction. Here, the nurse collects information of the patient regarding his or her growth and development.

Secondly, there is nursing diagnosis. Here. The nurse pinpoints issues, concerns and problems regarding which the patient is seeking medical assistance. Planning comes about after diagnosis. In current nursing process, the nurse in tandem with other health care professionals come up with a care of plan of medical interventions to resolve the issues earlier pinpointed. This is signified by setting goals and making decisions regarding the ways of attaining such goals. Subsequent to this, there is the implementation stage of the nursing process. Finally, there is the evaluation stage. In this regard, the nurse conducts an evaluation of the patient to make an ascertainment as to whether or not the initial goals set were accomplished. This encompasses accomplishing goals and the efficacy of nursing care (Wayne, 2014).

References

Messmer, P. R. (2006). Professional model of care: Using King’s theory of goal attainment. Nursing Science Quarterly, 19(3), 227-229.

Wayne, G. R. (2014). Imogene M. King’s Theory of Goal Attainment. Nurse Labs.