Theory of Goal Attainment
Imogene M. King
The Theory of Goal Attainment is a Middle-Range Theory that uses a conceptual system
that produces a process of creating a goal between the nurse and the patient. This is derived from
the nurse’s assessment of the patient and the patient’s expressed concerns to the nurse. By
interacting with each other, goals are identified to achieve goal attainment (Allgood, 2018).
The patient communicates using verbal, nonverbal, spiritual, cultural forms of
communication. The nurse assesses the patient using a holistic approach. Each patient has
diverse needs and goals. The primary goal is to achieve optimal health for daily living.
Adaptation to different environments and stressors are considered with each patient’s perception
of things in the environment.
King identifies a logical form of four concepts that make up this theory of goal
attainment. The framework consists of health, interpersonal relationships, perceptions, and social
systems (Allgood, 2018). The middle-range theory for goal attainment is the foundation of the
nurse-patient relationship for mutual goals that result in achievable outcomes.
The impact of the theory of goal attainment is a successful process in practice and
translates to practice well. It shows a measurement of progress and areas for improvement when
evaluating outcomes. Goal attainment is a process that includes patient participation in their care.
The nurse can also involve family with goal attainment to assist the patient with developing
successful outcomes.
The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming Practice
Anne Boykin and Savina O. Schoenhofer
The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming Practice falls under
Theories and Grand Theories that involve various nursing roles and practices. For example,
nursing education, acute care and long-term care settings are some of the nursing roles this
theory is appropriate to demonstrate when interacting with individuals. Mutual respect for
individuals is the baseline that is essential to establish first for nurses initiating caring activities
(Allgood, 2018).
Each person is born with an innate sense of caring and grows throughout their life with
the acceptance of being human as caring individuals. Nursing as caring focuses on the individual
as a whole person; active interactions with others as a lifetime process of developing caring
relationships (Allgood, 2018). The ability to care for individuals for their unique self can broaden
the scope of caring relationships. This allows the nurse to truly be with the patient without
distraction and freely provide them with the quality of care needed.
Imogene M. King
The Theory of Goal Attainment is a Middle-Range Theory that uses a conceptual system
that produces a process of creating a goal between the nurse and the patient. This is derived from
the nurse’s assessment of the patient and the patient’s expressed concerns to the nurse. By
interacting with each other, goals are identified to achieve goal attainment (Allgood, 2018).
The patient communicates using verbal, nonverbal, spiritual, cultural forms of
communication. The nurse assesses the patient using a holistic approach. Each patient has
diverse needs and goals. The primary goal is to achieve optimal health for daily living.
Adaptation to different environments and stressors are considered with each patient’s perception
of things in the environment.
King identifies a logical form of four concepts that make up this theory of goal
attainment. The framework consists of health, interpersonal relationships, perceptions, and social
systems (Allgood, 2018). The middle-range theory for goal attainment is the foundation of the
nurse-patient relationship for mutual goals that result in achievable outcomes.
The impact of the theory of goal attainment is a successful process in practice and
translates to practice well. It shows a measurement of progress and areas for improvement when
evaluating outcomes. Goal attainment is a process that includes patient participation in their care.
The nurse can also involve family with goal attainment to assist the patient with developing
successful outcomes.
The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming Practice
Anne Boykin and Savina O. Schoenhofer
The Theory of Nursing as Caring: A Model for Transforming Practice falls under
Theories and Grand Theories that involve various nursing roles and practices. For example,
nursing education, acute care and long-term care settings are some of the nursing roles this
theory is appropriate to demonstrate when interacting with individuals. Mutual respect for
individuals is the baseline that is essential to establish first for nurses initiating caring activities
(Allgood, 2018).
Each person is born with an innate sense of caring and grows throughout their life with
the acceptance of being human as caring individuals. Nursing as caring focuses on the individual
as a whole person; active interactions with others as a lifetime process of developing caring
relationships (Allgood, 2018). The ability to care for individuals for their unique self can broaden
the scope of caring relationships. This allows the nurse to truly be with the patient without
distraction and freely provide them with the quality of care needed.
