Orem’s General Theory of Nursing Essay

Theoretical Framework According to Orem’s General Theory of Nursing, the theory of self care deficit results when self care agency is not adequate to meet the self-care demand. Moreover, it explains when people need nursing care and how people can be assisted. In relation with Mrs. DNB, she is unable to perform any self care actions because of her complications. Our role as a nurse is to help and meet the self care needs of our patient by guiding and directing to prevent any further infection, providing physical or psychological support and maintain a quiet environment to recover from their illness. We as nurses should teach our patient for them to learn to perform self care measures which is important for their recovery. OREM SELF-CARE DEFICIT THEORY Orem’s purpose for developing the Self-Care Framework was two-fold: she was trying to find the meaning of nursing and to develop a body of nursing knowledge in rendering care to the patient. Orem theory has focused on the beginning development of scientific knowledge in the field of nursing. In her theory, Orem defines the four concepts that constitute nursing’s metaparadigm, such as health, nursing, environment and human being. HEALTH- In addressing the concept of health, Orem says health and healthy are terms used to describe living things. It is when they are structurally and functionally whole or sound life. She further clarifies her position by defining health as â€Å"a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. NURSING- Orem sees nursing as â€Å"an art through which the practitioner of nursing gives specialized assistance to persons with disabilities of such a character that greater than ordinary assistance is necessary to meet daily needs for self care of their patient. Nursing consists of actions deliberately selected and performed by nurses to help individuals or groups under their care to maintain or change conditions in themselves or their environment. ENVIRONMENT- Orem sees environment as encompassed by two dimensions—physical, chemical and biologic features and socioeconomic features. Physical, chemical, and biologic features include things such as atmosphere, pollutants, weather conditions, pets, infectious organisms and the like are important in helping your client recover from their condition. HUMAN BEING- Orem’s work in her humanistic category, the Self-Care Framework is most appropriately placed in the developmental category of knowledge because it addresses self-care agency, self-care deficits, and therapeutic demands as they present throughout life.