Running Header: Professional
Accountability
Professional Accountability
Task 1 – RGP1-RGP
Diana C. Harrah
04/042020
Western Governors University
, 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.
Accountability
Professional Accountability
Task 1 – RGP1-RGP
Diana C. Harrah
04/042020
Western Governors University
, 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.
