The Orlandos Nursing Theory - Coursework Example

?TEP Theory Analysis Grade (1st, Nov, TEP Theory Analysis Introduction Various theories have been put forward to explain, hypothesize and guide the nursing practice. The following is a summary, analysis and critique of Jean Orlando’s Nursing Theory. In analyzing and criticizing this theory, the synthesized method of theory evaluation is applied, due to its suitability in evaluating low-to-medium level theories. The synthesized method of theory evaluation is a comprehensive and broad technique, which covers all the aspects of a theoretical analysis. Theory Description Scope of the theory The scope of Orlando’s Nursing Theory is low-to-medium level, and is consistent with the medium range theories, which are narrow than the grand theories. Purpose of Theory The purpose of the theory is to define the nursing process, with a focus on the systematic process of delivering care to patients that is goal driven and patient-centered (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Origin of Theory Orlando’s Nursing Theory (1961), was developed from deliberative research Jean Orlando was undertaking as an associate professor at the Yale School of Nursing, regarding the integration of the mental health concepts in the basic curriculum for teaching nursing (Potter, 2004). She deliberated on the correct nature of the relationship between patients and nurses, and eventually developed the theory, which was published in her book, The Dynamic Nurse-Patient Relationship in 1961 (Faust, 2002). She focused on the nursing process that should be applied when giving patients medical care. Jean Orlando concluded that the nursing process should follow a systematic process, which is patient focused and achievement oriented. She held that nurses, as opposed to other medical professionals, should give patients a range of care services (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). According to the theory, while doctors offer medical services to patients, nurses should extend their care to include mental, emotional, physical and psychological support for patients (Potter, 2004). Major Concepts The major concepts advanced by this theory are; understanding patient needs, communicating to patients, assessing patients’ situation, planning on how to meet patient needs, implementing the plan and evaluating the results (Faust, 2002). All these concepts make up the nursing care process, and are elaborated under Orlando’s Nursing Theory. Major Theoretical Propositions 1. The role of a nurse extends beyond that of a mere medical professional. A nurse should find out, understand and comprehensively evaluate a patient’s need. The evaluation should go beyond the health needs of the patient, to include their mental, physical, emotional and psychological state (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Thus, a nurse should focus on accurately assessing the situation of the patient, with a view to understanding the causative factors of a patient’s health condition and the relevant interventions that can mitigate the condition, besides medication (Potter, 2004). 2. A patient’s need is not superficial. While the patient may seem to require certain kind of help, it could be just a symptom indicating the underlying interventions that are necessary to help the patient recover fully (Faust, 2002). Therefore, a nurse should go an extra mile and assess the needs of a patient accurately, since deteriorated health state could be an indication of the mental, emotional and psychological suffering that the patient has been experiencing (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Thus, the assessment of a patient’s condition requires a nurse to be concerned and focused on the holistic welfare of the patient. 3. Accurate assessment of a patient’s condition calls for a nurse’s full integration into the patient condition. Thus, nurses need to use all the informative tips available, including their perception and thoughts on such perceptions, to diagnose fully a patient’s situation (Faust, 2002). Therefore, nurses should engage their feelings and perceptions about a patient condition to collaborate with the patient in assessing their real situation and the possible causative factors, with a focus to establishing the necessary interventions (Potter, 2004). 4. The full indulgence of the nurse in evaluating a patient’s condition helps the nurse to clearly understand the needs of the patient (Faust, 2002). However, the evaluation of a patient’s condition has to follow a systematic process, with key considerations being made at each stage of the evaluation process. This ensures that the final diagnostic results are accurate and fully defines the comprehensive needs of the patient (Potter, 2004). 5. Nursing process is a cyclical occurrence, with no defined end to the process (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). The process can be terminated at any stage, for as long as the needs of the patient are resolved. On the other hand, some needs of the patient might call for a repeat of the whole process, since the needs get identified as the process continues (Potter, 2004). 6. Nursing process is applicable to all patients, young and old, with serious or minor ailments, as well as those with physical, mental or psychological illnesses (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). 7. The results of the nursing process are measurable, in terms of the achievement of a patient’s health needs and the resolution of the underlying problems (Faust, 2002). Major Assumptions There are various assumptions underlying Orlando’s Nursing Theory. They include: 1. According to the theory, when patients become overwhelmed by issues, yet they cannot find any help, they turn out to be more depressed (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Thus, such patients become emotionally and psychologically unstable. 2. All patients are different and thus their situation and needs are unique. Therefore, each patient should be assessed and diagnosed separately, without any generalizations regarding the similarity of the patients’ situation. 3. Nursing profession and care is synonymous to parental care, in that it offers adult mothering and nurturing of small children (Potter, 2004). Therefore, the role of a nurse is construed to be that of a mother. 4. Patients need more help in their communication needs, more than any other type of need. 5. Patients are not comfortable with dependency needs (Faust, 2002). Therefore, it is the duty of a nurse to dig deeper into the patient situation to arrive at the dependency needs of the patient. 6. All humans have the ability to be either secretive or open about their situation (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). The behavior they display regarding openness or secrecy depends on the trust they confer on other individuals. 7. The relationship between patients and nurses are dynamic. Therefore, the nature of the relationship is defined by both parties (Potter, 2004). 8. All human beings have the ability to form meaning from actions that are not obvious to others. 9. Finally, the theory assumes that nurses are concerned about patient’s needs, which patients cannot meet on their own (Faust, 2002). Context for Use The theory is universally applicable to all cultures, and in every aspect of the nursing practice due to its comprehensive approach. Theoretical Definitions for Major Concepts Patient role-assessing, discovering and meeting different needs of patients. Nursing actions- the direct or indirect activities of the nurses applied towards resolving patients’ needs. Distress- the uncomfortable and disturbing feeling experienced by a patient whose needs are not met. Outcome-the change in behavior by a patient, after his/her needs have been met (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Consistent Use of Concepts, Statements and Assumptions The terms, concepts and statements have been consistently applied throughout the theory, with the assumptions featuring whenever necessary. All the above elements are related accurately to the concept and practice of nursing. Logical Organization Orlando’s Nursing Theory is systematic and logically organized. Models/Diagrams The theory applies models and graphics to present the links between major theoretical concepts. Theory Evaluation Congruence with Nursing Standards The concepts presented by this theory, notably the nursing process correspond well with the standards of nursing practice. Congruence with Current Nursing Interventions and Evidence of Empirical Testing Orlando’s Nursing Theory has been widely applied to teach nursing curriculum. It has also been applied in guiding nursing practice, through defining the required process for patient care that nurses should follow (Potter, 2004). Additionally, Orlando’s Nursing Theory has been practically applied in therapy and nursing interventions, to assess patient’s conditions, with a focus to define the contributing factors to their conditions and the necessary interventions for resolving their needs (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Application by Nursing Educators, Nursing Researchers, or Nursing Administrators In research, Orlando’s Nursing Theory was applied in 1987 McBride and colleagues to diagnose the needs of patients under ambulatory psychiatric practice (Faust, 2002). The results confirmed that the application of the theory in nursing practice increased patient satisfaction and reduced patient stay in hospital (Potter, 2004). In the field of education, Orlando’s Nursing Theory has found wide application. Most recent studies indicated that the theory was adopted as the basis of teaching nursing practice in University of Wichita Falls starting 2000 (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Here, the theory is used to teach entering students the basic principles of the nursing profession and practice. Contribution to Nursing Orlando’s Nursing Theory has greatly contributed to the field of nursing, by accurately defining the roles of nurses in giving patient care (Potter, 2004). Additionally, the theory has been of great help in defining the nursing process that should be applied to assess patients’ conditions and determine the right interventions for resolving patient needs (Faust, 2002). Most significantly is the fact that Orlando’s Nursing Theory has been widely applied as the basis for developing teaching curriculum for nursing students (Kennedy & Lee, 2008). Conclusions and Implications Orlando’s Nursing Theory serves as a clear demonstration of the value of theories in advancing nursing practice. Considering the major contributions that the theory has made to the nursing practice, Orlando’s Nursing Theory is a key component for effective and efficient nursing systems in health care delivery. Therefore, the dominance of Orlando’s Nursing Theory in nursing practice and application is undisputable. References Faust, C (2002). Orlando's deliberative nursing process theory: a practice application in an extended care facility. Journal of Public medical Health, 28(7), 14-18. Kennedy, L., & Lee, E. (2008). Application of a model of social information processing to nursing theory: how nurses respond to patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 64(4), 388-398. Potter, M. L. (2004). Using Nursing Theory and a structured psycho educational curriculum with inpatient groups. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 10, 122-128. Read More