Assignment Task:
Respond to one 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.