Theories in Nursing

Theories in Nursing

Marlene Smith’s Theory

Nursing theories are of importance in nursing practice as they explain the nursing phenomenon. The theories also give the fundamentals of nursing and help direct the profession into the future. There are other importances of the theories aside from those previously mentioned. The principal purpose of the nursing theories, however, is to improve the nursing practice by bringing about a positive influence on the quality of life and health of all patients.

In light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic that has affected the entire world and resulting in deaths, there is more need for the nursing theories to provide a way forward to the nurses in practice. The pandemic continues to spread panic as many countries have imposed lockdowns and mandatory quarantine to try and reduce the rate at which the virus spreads. The nurses and other healthcare professionals are at the forefront of the fight against coronavirus since they continue to go to work and help thousands of people all over the world.

From the three available choices, I would select Marlene Smith as the theorist I would want to construct a framework for care for patients and healthcare staff. The theory works on the assumption that caring is at the center of all health, and it is the crucial ingredient in facilitating better patient outcomes. Her theory has concepts that will act as pointers on how the healthcare staff would relate with patients, especially during this trying time wrought with fear and panic.

Manifesting intentions is one concept of her theory (Smith, 2010). She believes that by creating and expressing positive thoughts and beliefs, the nurses can improve the wellbeing of a person. Marlene believes that nurses provide an environment necessary for the healing of the person through thoughts, actions, intentions, and beliefs. During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, fear governs the thoughts of the patients. Many people do not want to go to hospitals because they fear that they might get diagnosed with the disease. The healthcare staff should work to set the minds of their patients at ease by getting read of any distractions when attending to a patient, creating an environment in which the patient feels at ease.

Another concept is appreciating patterns. Marlene explains it is about showing an appreciation for the difference in people. At this point, there is a large number of people who tested positive for the virus. Many are in isolation, and others are in voluntary quarantine as they fear being isolated and avoided by friends and family. Healthcare professionals should not treat all patients in the same manner. They should first take the time and assess the situation, identifying everything happening that might point towards the state of mind of the patient.

Attuning to the dynamic flow is yet another concept imbedded in the theory, and Marlene describes it as the ability of a nurse to sense when a patient wants to open up and talk about private issues that might be affecting them. This skill would be invaluable, especially during this time of the pandemic. Many patients get separated from their families for extended periods, and they might have several concerns which the nurse should listen to and set their mind at ease. For instance, a patient under isolation might be going through some psychological issues. The nurse should sense when the patient wants to open up and talk and accommodate the patient’s needs. I feel that her theory is well suited to deal with the covid-19 pandemic as it encompasses unitary caring with the practice, and right now, people need that unitary care as it offers a source of hope.

Reference

SMITH, M. C. (2010). Marlaine Smith’s theory of unitary caring. Nursing Theories Nursing Practice, 495.