We learn about various nursing theorists like Jean Watson and Imogene M. King and their philosophies at the beginning of our nursing career, while sitting in a classroom soaking up the lecturer’s knowledge and pondering how we can apply these concepts into our everyday work lives. In those moments, those words are bits of information we think will come and go or are necessities to pass a test. Lo and behold, those words of wisdom are what shapes us into the nurses we are today—the foundational gems that are the framework of our practice and how we exhibit care.
Some nurses choose to model their patient care after a theorist they feel best encompasses their view of nursing. But in my case, I’ve intertwined the works of two theorists to develop my practice styles as I’ve forged my way in nursing.
Beginning my career as a hematology nurse, I honed into Jean Watson’s “Theory of Human Caring.” I tried my best to internalize and exhibit her framework when caring for my patients who were undergoing chemotherapy. She taught me that the art of “genuine care” is the heart of practicing nursing and the best remedy to promote the well-being of those that you are caring for. Jean emphasized that each patient should be treated as a human being, and nurses should provide care to patients that heal their mind, body, and soul. A nurse’s goal should be to have oneness with the patient and family with consideration for cultural background and differences. Through her teachings, I began to understand the holistic approach to caring for a patient—understanding them at more than just the surface level of care. Spending weeks (sometimes months) with the same patient and their family, I developed a unique bond with them, ultimately building a trusting and therapeutic relationship. On that unit, I found the true meaning of patient-centeredness and the value of intertwining spiritual, physical, and mental care.
As I moved away from the bedside, into military outpatient clinical practice, the nursing theory I leaned on began to shift. Not in a way that I stopped caring for my patients, but the care I provided started to look different—my patients became more like partners and took a more active role in their care. In the military, patient-centeredness is at the forefront of the medical care we give. It is important that we, as nurses, bring the patient in to educate and empower them to have the knowledge and the voice to take action on what care they may need. With this philosophy, I was able to focus on King’s ideology to shape my role as an outpatient clinical nurse. The influence that her theory has had on my nursing care has allowed me to develop a nurse-patient relationship that is impactful and meaningful to the patient and their family. Imogene M. King’s theory focuses on nurse/patient interaction to develop and achieve patient-centered goals. Nurses, along with their patients, should develop an action, reaction, interaction, and transaction to fulfill the collaboration between the two. Imogene’s theory is important to the nursing profession because “goal attainment” is the foundation on which nurses set goals for their patients with attainable outcomes.
Whether you are a student, novice nurse, or have many years of experience, I recommend continuing to take the time to learn new concepts, develop new skills, and evolve your nursing practice to provide your patients with a higher level of care. Some other nursing theorists that have resonated with me, which I encourage you to explore are:
- Florence Nightingale – Environmental Theory: Using the patient’s environment to help them on the road to recovery.
- Dr. Patricia Benner – From Novice to Expert Concept: Developing nursing skills and understanding through advanced education and personal experiences.
- Sister Callista Roy – Adaptation Model of Nursing: Ensuring to care for that patient using a holistic approach.
Continuing to expound on the foundational learnings of the nursing principles as we evolve in our careers will allow us to provide optimal care to our patients and their families. No matter how long you have been a nurse, studying, applying, and modeling the application of foundational nursing theories to achieve increased awareness and association will pay dividends in patient care and your own career advancement.
Ebony Mulero, MSN, RN-BC, is a clinical nurse with the United States Air Force in Guam. She is a member of Sigma’s Omega Gamma Chapter at Capella University in Minnesota, USA.