Introduction
Implementation of nursing theories in the development of care processes is a common practice that helps improve outcomes and achieve the desired goals. In this project, the case of Sgt. Eddie Johns will be introduced to clarify how nurses should apply the Roy Adaptation Model and Neuman System’s theory. Each theory has its philosophical, scientific, and cultural assumptions and concepts. The authors rely on their experience and knowledge to ensure their guides can be applied appropriately to care processes and support nurses in completing their tasks.
This paper identifies a theoretical framework for a nurse to work with Sgt—Johns, who has some health concerns after his military service in Afghanistan. The main goals include discussing the chosen frameworks’ main elements and analyzing their impact on the nurse’s actions. At the same time, it is expected to understand how listening contributes to nursing care and why stressors’ identification matters. In the end, a plan of care based on Neuman’s theory will be developed to guide the nurse in caring for Sgt. Johns.
Case
The nurse meets Sgt. John is in the orthopedic clinic, and this patient is waiting for a doctor’s assessment and the possibility of removing the pins from his leg and returning to his job. At this moment, his complaints are morning headaches because of poor sleep at night because the man cannot sit straight on the chair. Sgt. Johns came from Afghanistan to treat his leg, which was broken in several places, and check his bump on the head because of a roadside bomb incident. Compared to his friend Joe, who now has two artificial legs, Eddie is happy to return home and continue his relationship with his girlfriend. He lives with his mother, who helps him get around, but he also wants to find a job to maintain his independence.
Roy Adaptation Model
Sgt. John needs to cope with his current physiological and emotional challenges, and the Roy Adaptation Model can be offered as a guide for a nurse. Sister Callista Roy introduced this theory to direct the nursing practice and implement philosophical, scientific, and cultural assumptions for promoting the best human actions and creative processes to adapt to changes. According to the offered framework, people are considered adaptive systems to maintain their health (Senesac & Roy, 2020). The other two main concepts of this model are the environment and the goal of nursing. The basic idea of the theory is that patients need to identify their stimuli and use nursing assistance to define coping processes and formulate adaptive responses.
How the Model Assists the Nurse
Using the Roy Adaptation Model will assist the nurse in coordinating the patient and planning the most appropriate care interventions. Following the modes introduced by Roy, it is essential to pay much attention to the patient’s physiological needs because he has traumatized his head and leg and now expects a fast recovery. The application of other modes is a solid guide for the nurse to elaborate on the patient’s feelings (self-concept), examine his behaviors (role functioning), and define coping mechanisms (interdependence). Thus, the chosen model is crucial for initiating nurse-patient cooperation.
How to Use the Model in Planning Care
The nurse is responsible for continuing care for Sgt. Johns and the Roy Adaptation Model define the main steps in this process. First, assessing the patient’s behavior must be assessed by collecting personal data, making observations, and defining adaptive systems. The next step is the evaluation of internal and external stimuli, focusing on focal elements (physical inabilities and headaches), contextual issues (employment), and residual aspects (his romantic relationships). Then, the model allows for diagnosing the patient and choosing the required interventions (Callis, 2020). Finally, the goal of nursing to use coping mechanisms for creating a strong self-image and promoting a desire to grow should be accomplished.
Self-Concept
Roy’s theory influences nurses’ actions and is closely related to promoting an adjusted self-concept. According to Senesac and Roy (2020), the self-concept includes various personal aspects of the patient to strengthen psychic and spiritual integrity by taking three steps, namely developing the self, perceiving the self, and focusing on the self. The nurse will help Sgt. John needs to understand current needs and identify health problems within the environment in which he lives. The next part of care includes creating a positive body image, compensation, and promoting self-respect. Ultimately, the patient must use available coping methods and manage personal feelings and beliefs to improve his quality of life.
Importance of Listening for Nurses
The Roy Adaptation Model promotes listening as a critical activity for nurses to learn about the patient and choose the right interactions. Nurses must develop this ability to identify which words and tone the patient prefers in his communication and realize if he needs compassion or motivation. Sgt. Johns admits his desire to visit his friend, but he cannot ignore his happiness about the level of damage and the possibility of accepting temporary physical changes. Thus, through listening, the nurse identifies the importance of comfort in care and sharing feedback to strengthen his well-being (Callis, 2020). As a result, the nurse will assist the patient in recognizing the achievements already made.
Neuman System’s Model
Choosing the best treatment plan is not always an easy step, and Neuman System’s Model can help nurses study their patients and focus on the main elements. Beckman and Fawcett (2020) underline the worth of each element: patients are unique systems that exchange energy with the environment and respond through interrelationships where identifying resistance lines defines primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention steps. According to this model, nurses can examine patients and view them as a system of features used to create defense lines to be protected and promote wellness.
Stressors in the Case
One of the main strengths of Neuman’s theory is the recognition of stressors in nursing care. Neuman explains stress as a factor affecting human health and underlines the nurse’s role in minimizing stressors (Betty Neuman’s system model theory, 2018). In this case, Sgt. John is exposed to various stressors that might change his life and health.
First, the client cannot return to work because of physical problems. Second, he is upset because his military friend is far away, and their meeting is impossible. Third, the patient has problems with sleep and uses beer to relax and fall asleep. Finally, his head continues killing him, and he is not able to mitigate morning headaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying the Neuman System’s Model helps create a care plan for Sgt. Johns. There are three main stages to diagnose, define the goals, and understand the outcomes. The nurse is responsible for gathering the patient’s information about stressors, communicating, and involving family members and friends to help the patient.
Then, the goals like headache sources, leg reinforcement, the patient’s independence, and support should be discussed. The plan’s last element includes observing the results when most stressors are eliminated, sleep habits are improved, and alcohol consumption is no longer a problem. Sgt. Johns has solid prospects to recover fast and improve his quality of life if these tasks are appropriately identified and followed.
References
Beckman, S., & Fawcett, J. (2020). Betty Neuman’s systems model. In M. C. Smith & M. E. Parker (Eds.), Nursing theories and nursing practice (5th ed., pp. 165-182). F. A. Davis
Betty Neuman’s system model theory. (2018). Nursing Theorist. Web.
Callis, A. M. B. (2020). Application of the Roy adaptation theory to a care program for nurses. Applied Nursing Research. Web.
Senesac, P., & Roy, C. (2020). Callista Roy’s adaptation model. In M. C. Smith & M. E. Parker (Eds.), Nursing theories and nursing practice (5th ed., pp. 149-164). F. A. Davis.