Dorothy Orem's Nursing Theory - Research Paper Example

The backbone of the theory is the concept that from time to time people are affected by limitations that prevent them from meeting their self-care needs. These limitations can be caused by injury or accident, or by external or internal situations such as disease or the natural progression of aging (Hartweg, 1991). Orem describes the nature of the relationships involved with nursing, between the nurse and the patient, and between the nurse and others (such as family members and physicians) that may be involved.

She compares this relationship to a friendship, with the nurse being more objective, able-bodied, selfless, and skilled (Orem, 2003). Orem’s theory is set forth in a way that makes it easy to both understand and to implement. As writers Kathleen Sitzman and Lisa Eichelberger (2011) has stated, “The simplicity of wording, coupled with an uncanny resonance with everyday nursing activities, has ensured its broad popularity and use in many areas of nursing” (p. 94). Orem believed that wholeness is part of what makes a person human.

Health helps the person be fully who he or she is, and to operate along with physiological and psychophysiological mechanisms. Good health enables people to interact with others and to have meaningful relationships with those around them (Current Nursing). Nursing is required for patients who need “direct continuing assistance in self-care” (Orem, 1993, p. 258) caused by health problems. These are needs that all people have, regardless of their health needs, but nurses are required when patients are unable to meet them.

Patients tend to become healthier and to recover more quickly from disease, illness, and injury when they are able to participate in and accomplish their own self-care. It is the nurse’s role and responsibility to provide patients and their families