Week 2 Discussion RESPONSE-Nursing Theory

Respond to 1 classmate with how one of the theorists has influenced your personal nursing philosophy.

Classmate’s Post:

Dorothea Orem is my favorite nursing theorist. Her Self-Care Theory emphasizes the importance of individuals’ ability to perform self-care activities to maintain health and well-being. Orem proposed that nursing’s primary role is to assist patients in meeting their self-care needs when they cannot do so independently. The theory is built around three interrelated concepts: self-care, self-care deficit, and nursing systems. Self-care involves actions taken by individuals to promote their health; a self-care deficit occurs when individuals are unable to meet their own needs; and nursing systems are established to support individuals in achieving optimal self-care.

Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory resonates deeply with my nursing practice, as I firmly believe in fostering patient independence. Orem’s emphasis on empowering individuals to manage their own health aligns with my commitment to promoting self-care. I strive to educate and support patients, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to take charge of their well-being. By recognizing and addressing self-care deficits, I can tailor interventions that encourage autonomy and active participation in their care.

I think that Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory can be applied to my PICOT question (PICOT question: In adult population with hypertension, does a low-sodium diet, compared to a regular diet, reduce blood pressure over six months?) by focusing on empowering adults with hypertension to manage their condition through dietary choices. By assessing individual self-care deficits, nurses can educate patients about the benefits of a low-sodium diet and its impact on blood pressure. This involves developing personalized care plans that incorporate self-monitoring and goal setting. By fostering self-care practices, patients can take an active role in managing their hypertension, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and reduced blood pressure.

Reference

Regis College (October 29, 2021). The Pivotal Role of Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory. https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/the-pivotal-role-of-orems-self-care-deficit-theory/Links to an external site.