WGU_C304_Task_1

Running Header: Professional Accountability The nursing theory I find most influences my values and goals is Dorothea E. Orem’s theory of self-care deficit. Her theory was defined as, “The act of assisting others in the provision and management of self-care to maintain or improve human functioning at home level of effectiveness” (Ahtisham & Sommer 2015). I believe that in nursing, our goal is to heal and cure so the patient may once again care for themselves, practice autonomy and maintain or improve their home level of effectiveness. Nurses throughout the health care system provide excellent care to our patients by encouraging and assist patients to return to their previous health status or as close to as possible. Allowing the patient to participate in the care for themselves and maintain a level of independence is a high priority to recovery. Rehab facilities have the goal of physical, speech and occupational therapy to promote health and physical ability to return to a normal lifestyle. Surgical nurses such as I, assist after surgery to manage pain, ambulate and assist in healing so the patient can return to their original standard of living. After anesthesia wears off, I assist the patient to sit up, ambulate, use the restroom, feed themselves and get dressed while controlling their pain and maintaining safety. Using the nursing theory of self-care deficit, some patients would prefer to be catered to and have staff do everything for them, but I have found that it delays their healing and extends their hospital stay, so extensive patient teaching is needed to ensure the patient understands the reasoning behind this theory and their care. Two historical nursing figures that have made significant impact on nursing are Virginia Henderson, had the concept of the Needs Theory, and Imogene King, who developed the Goal Attainment Theory. Both nurses made contributions to how modern nursing is performed and the expectations in patient care.