Nursing Theory is defined as one or more relatively concrete and specific concepts that are derived from a conceptual model. the statements that describe those concepts. and the statements that assert relatively concrete and specific relations between two or more concepts (kearney-Nunnery, 2008). All nurses have a nursing theory model that closely resembles their practices. This paper elaborates on the nursing theory that appropriately matches my beliefs and my values as a nurse while incorporating my practice with the patients in the medical settings in which I’m involved.
The model which matches my professional beliefs and values is Jean Watson’s theory of human caring. The theory of human caring consists of ten basic ideas Watson calls the Caritas processes this include directions to “practice caring kindness,” “develop helping trusting-caring relationships,” “use creative scientific problem-solving methods for caring decision making,” ‘and to be open to mystery and to allow miracles to enter.” “it goes beyond patient-centered care,” Watson says, “it goes to the heart of the human-to-human connection” (Watson, 1999, p.67). This theory reflects what I was already practicing in my nursing profession.
Currently, I am working on the psychiatric medical-surgical floor with patients mainly diagnosed with alcoholism. Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, social, family, and job responsibilities.
It is a chronic illness that can be physical or mental. They get withdrawal symptoms that occur because the brain adapts to the alcohol and cannot function well with that particular drug. The most common symptoms that the patient experience is: nausea, vomiting, tremors, imbalance problem, confusion, hallucination, and slurred speech.
For instance, Mr. G a 45-year man is admitted with Abdominal Pain and a Change of Mental Status. At the time of admission, Mr. G is hallucinating and exhibiting the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The history and physical indicated that he was found at a local park and did not know where he was. He is overweight. He smokes and heavy drinker. He has chronic pancreatitis. His wife is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, his daughter was killed in a school bus accident six months ago. His liver enzymes are elevated and his hypertensive. Aside from providing from stabilizing Mr. G by administering his prescribed medications, I also realized that the emotional aspect cannot get ignored. Mr. G is afraid and wants me to stay with him. I held his hand and attentively listen to him and provide emotional support to him. I stayed with Mr. G, after I gave him Ativan, hanging his IV fluid. With the lack of time, I was able to make that connection with my patients. By spending quality time with him, it helps me to know what his needs are. I did not have to guess. I focus on the patient at that moment and everything will fall into place. Mr. G fell asleep 45 minutes after. Three hours after, he is awake and he tried to go to the bathroom. he wet himself. I provided hygiene care in a respectful manner. I attempted to establish a trusting nurse-patient relationship. I introduced myself again and discussed his goal for hospitalization. I also realized that Mr. G has multiple underlying issues that need to be addressed. Although the withdrawal symptoms are subsiding, nursing care goes beyond basic nursing care.
Moreover, I incorporated many factors into Mr. G’s care plan. I triggered the nutritionist to assist with the dietary regime because he is overweight. I included in his care plan the grief process. He lost his daughter recently and his wife is currently going under chemotherapy treatment. The chaplain and I agreed to visit him daily regarding his grief. The social worker is triggered to visit pt for referral of AA programs, and griefing programs that are available in the community. The case manager is included to assess pt’s financial status and to assist Mr. G with any financial issues that need to be addressed.
Additionally, I had an unexpected episode that happen between Mr. G and me. He spoke harshly to me because he was not being discharged as quickly as he wanted to be. I offered to walk him out of the hospital. After he was discharged. As we are taking the elevator, Mr. G began to cry and apologized stating, “My daughter died six months ago and I blamed myself because if I had given her that ride that she asked me, she wouldn’t take that ride from her friend. Can you have believed she died instantly from this car accident? How do you expect to forgive myself?” When we got to the lobby, I sat and held his hand, we talked and finally, he hugged me when his ride arrives. I reassured him and I was there for him. I was creating a caring, healing environment to allow the patient to express his innermost feelings.
I believe this approach is fully applicable in my practice and all aspect of Watson’s theory. Especially, my patients experience extremely strong needs for psychological support. They need an environment where no one will treat them as outcasts which is how society often treats alcoholism. My patients need an empathetic and attentive listener who can accept them for who they are. My attitude toward my patients is composed of kindness, sympathy, willingness to understand and recognition of their human dignity.
Watson’s theory of care is a reminder that nursing is not all about answering call lights, inserting venous access, reading vital signs, filling out forms. It is a special practice that is more profound that makes any nurse realize that dealing with a human with the most complex task.