NUR502 TOPIC 5 DISCUSSION QUESTION 1

NUR502 TOPIC 5 DISCUSSION QUESTION 1 All nursing theories are developed in space and time, and are not value free. Select one nursing theorist and explain the factors that influenced development of the theory (history, scientific paradigm, and personal experiences--mentoring, education, practice, other). Provide reference(s) for your response. Dorothea Orem’s The Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory(SCDNT) is a grand theory that is based on the paradigm of human needs. Orem acted in multiple roles throughout her nursing career and achieved many awards. Some of the roles held by Orem include director of a nursing school, serving on the board of health in Indiana, and working as a staff nurse and educator. Orem’s SCDNT is utilized by many colleges and schools of nursing. It is also used by many hospitals and on various units as a basis for nursing care models. Orem does not cite any one particular theorists as the basis for her SCDNT but she does reference Parson’s structure of social action and von Bertalanfy’s system theory (McEwen & Wills, 2014). The SCDNT focuses on the human being as the change agent with three related parts: theory of self- care, theory of self-care deficit, and theory of nursing system. The theory of self-care encompasses the maintenance of ones’ health on their own such as balancing life and stressors, performing activities of daily living, and practicing healthy habits. The theory of self-care deficit comes in to play once a person is in need of nursing due to not being able to care for themselves in a full capacity. Finally, the theory of Nursing System is necessary to describe how the patient’s needs will be met by the nurse/patient relationship. One of the major assumptions of the SCDNT is that humans are individuals and should take responsibility for their own care and for that of their family. It is also important to note that patients should be made aware of potential health risks in order to promote positive self-care behaviors (Nursing Theories, 2012). References: McEwen, M., and Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (3nd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Nursing Theories. (2012). Dorothea orem’s self-care theory. Retrieved from