An Inroad into the World of Nursing

Nursing Theories give rise to Nursing Models on which is based the Nursing Process that helps in charting Nursing Care Plans

Understanding nursing as a profession would require us to follow a flowchart highlighting few essentials of nursing, namely- theories of nursing, models of nursing, nursing process and nursing plans.

Nursing theory

Nursing practice is based on a body of knowledge that is termed as Nursing Theory. The theories include a range of subjects interconnected or independent to the nursing process. Most of the nursing theories are relatively new, originating in the mid eighties. The nursing schools encourage students to voice their respective views on nursing and thus formulate their own theories. Here, one might say that such an approach adopted by nursing schools is giving birth to too many philosophies in nursing. Nurses, therefore, fail to have a common goal. However, as counter argument one might mention that the increasing number of theories actually give nurses more alternatives to choose from. Nursing theories are usually drawn from researches of past experiences and evidences. Helen Erickson, Virginia Henderson and Imogene King are some of the nursing theorists of repute.

Nursing models

All nursing models are based on nursing theories and concepts. Nursing models provide nurses with a framework within which they are to make and implement their treatment plans. The various nursing specialisations follow different nursing models. Some commonly referred nursing models are listed below:

1. Psychiatric nursing follows Roy’s Model of Nursing. This model is based on an understanding that the human being is a “biopsychological being” who is constantly interacting with the dynamic environment around him/her. The model speaks of a six step nursing process. It relates the concept of person, health and environment to nursing.
2. Children’s nursing follows Casey’s Model of Nursing. This model works on the philosophy that a child recuperates best within a family with the help of professional medical experts. Hence the emphasis is on building a partnership between the nurses and the children’s immediate family members. It attempts to relate concepts of child, family, health, and environment to nursing.
3. Perinatal nursing is based on Ramona.T. Mercer’s Theory of Nursing. Mercer in this model has discussed the maternal role in the process of nursing.
4. Adult nursing follows the Ropar, Logan Tiernay Model of Nursing. This model was initiated by Ropar. Nurses who work in surgical and medical settings follow this model. This model works on “activities of living” concept and is used to compare the changes in a patient’s life due to illness.
5. Community and rehabilitation nursing uses the Orem Model of Nursing. This model is based on the belief that “patients wish to care for themselves”. Nurses must grant autonomy to patients to do their own things as far as it is considered medically safe.
6. Critical Care nursing follows Synergy Model of Nursing. The model urges for adoption of alternative therapies as treatment measures. Here nurses are required to take cultural differences into consideration. Under this model the needs of the patient are pitted against the capabilities of the nurse. This model is difficult to implement due to fewer number of nurses.

Nursing Models are often held guilty of preventing nurses from being innovative. Also these models are far removed from the actual issues concerning the clinical world.

Nursing process

Nursing Process is required to make Nursing Care Plan. Nursing Process draws heavily on the different nursing models available. In this process the nurses will gather details about the patient- medical background of the patient’s family, traits of the illness, symptoms and signs, reaction of the patient and his needs and requirements. The nurse will then divide the data obtained into the objective and the subjective. From the study conducted the nurse will give a diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis the nurse will plan the measures to be adopted.

Nursing care plan

Nursing Care Plan talks of the procedure to be adopted to help the patient recuperate. All actions and methodology to be adopted will be charted in this plan. The Nursing Care Plan will be based on the Nursing Process.

Nursing is a medical process of healing. A person who wishes to make nursing her/his career must first attempt to understand the manner of functioning of nurses. A thorough study of the four steps mentioned in this article will facilitate a preliminary understanding of nursing as a profession.