Role of Nursing theories
Nursing theories play an integral role in describing, predicting, and explaining the nursing practice. The primary purpose of nursing theories is to assist in the generation of further knowledge and indicate the direction which future nursing practice should take (Im and Ju Chang, 2012). This discussion will focus on comparing and contrasting the need and interpersonal theory based on their intent, scope, and goals.
Intent and Goals
The primary intention of the need theory is to promote the patient’s independence by focusing on the basic human needs so that the progress of the client is not delayed after hospitalization is not delayed. Virginia Henderson highlighted that a patient is a human being with basic needs that are elements of his or her health status, which require assistance to achieve better health outcomes and independence or peaceful death (Pehlivan, 2016). The goal of this theory is to address the patients’ psychological, physiological, spiritual, and social needs to ensure better health outcomes (Im and Ju Chang, 2012). On the contrary, Peplau’s interpersonal theory’s intention was to foster human interaction between the nurse and the patient to solve problems that arise at all levels of experience (Im and Ju Chang, 2012). This nursing model proposes four phases of the interaction process to orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution (Pehlivan, 2016). The goal of the application of this theory by the nurses is to promote patient independence by making him or her capable of dealing with the problem.
Scope
The need theory can be applied in practice as a way of setting treatment goals based on Henderson’s fourteen components. The achievement of these goals can be a significant basis for evaluating one’s progress towards patient care (Pehlivan, 2016). On the other hand, interpersonal theory can be applied in circumstances where a nurse-client relationship needs to be fostered to address the patients’ difficulties.
Choice of Theory
The theory that is relevant to my future role is Henderson’s need theory. This theory is widely accepted in nursing practice because the fourteen components are not only simple and logical but also can be applied to individuals of all ages. Nonetheless, there could be added needs depending on the nurse-client relationship.
References
Im, E., & Ju Chang, S. (2012). Current Trends in Nursing Theories. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 44(2), 156-164. doi: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2012.01440.x
Pehlivan, T. (2016). The Use of Theories in Psychiatric Nursing-II. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing. doi: 10.5505/phd.2016.46036