Think of an experience you have had in clinical. Perhaps it was taking vital signs or bathing a confused patient. Describe how each of the four components of a nursing theory occurred in your clinical situation

Think of an experience you have had in clinical. Perhaps it was taking vital signs or bathing a confused patient. Describe how each of the four components of a nursing theory occurred in your clinical situation. Share your thinking with the class.

• • Who was the person(s) involved (person refers to the patient or resident or the family and support persons)?
  • What was the environment? A community center? A bathing room in a nursing home? The person’s bedside in a hospital?
  • What was the health condition of the person? For example, was the person seeking information for self-care? Critical? In pain? Ready for discharge?
  • How was nursing involved? For example, was the nurse compassionate? Angry? Efficient? A novice or an expert?

ANSWER

Nursing Theory in Clinical Practice: A Personal Experience

Introduction

 As a nursing student, I have had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in various clinical settings. One experience that stands out is when I assisted in bathing a confused patient during my clinical rotation at a nursing home. This encounter encompassed several elements of nursing theory, including the person(s) involved, the environment, the health condition of the individual, and the nursing role. In this essay, I will discuss how each component contributed to the overall nursing experience and its impact on patient care.

Person(s) Involved

The person involved in this situation was a confused patient residing in a nursing home. Due to their cognitive impairment, the patient required assistance with their activities of daily living, such as bathing. Additionally, the patient’s family members and support persons were also indirectly involved (Naylor et al., 2007). Their expectations and concerns played a role in shaping the nursing care provided. Understanding the dynamics and needs of both the patient and their support system was crucial in tailoring care to meet their individual requirements.

Environment

 The environment in which the bathing activity took place was a dedicated bathing room within the nursing home. This space was designed to promote the patient’s privacy, comfort, and safety during the procedure. The room was equipped with appropriate supplies, such as warm water, towels, and personal hygiene products, to facilitate a hygienic and therapeutic experience. Creating a calming and supportive environment helped reduce the patient’s anxiety and promote a sense of well-being during the process.

Health Condition

 The patient’s health condition in this scenario was characterized by confusion. Their cognitive impairment posed challenges in understanding and following instructions, increasing the risk of accidents or emotional distress. Recognizing the patient’s cognitive status was essential in adapting the nursing approach. By acknowledging the patient’s confusion, the nursing care team could employ strategies to promote a safe and positive bathing experience, including clear communication, reassurance, and maintaining a consistent routine.

Nursing Involvement

 Nursing played a pivotal role in this situation, with the nurse acting as the primary caregiver. The nurse’s approach was guided by compassion, empathy, and patience. Recognizing the patient’s vulnerability and the potential for increased agitation, the nurse remained calm and provided emotional support throughout the process (Molina-Mula & Gallo-Estrada, 2020). By employing effective communication techniques, such as using simple language and visual cues, the nurse facilitated understanding and cooperation.

Furthermore, the nurse demonstrated efficiency and expertise in executing the bathing procedure while ensuring the patient’s safety. This expertise was cultivated through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experience (National Academies Press (US), 1995). The nurse’s ability to adapt the care approach to the patient’s individual needs and preferences showcased their competence as a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

 The experience of bathing a confused patient in a nursing home setting highlighted the application of nursing theory in clinical practice. Each component of the nursing theory, including the person(s) involved, the environment, the health condition, and nursing involvement, played a vital role in shaping the care provided. Through compassionate and efficient nursing care, the patient’s experience was optimized, promoting their overall well-being and contributing to a positive clinical outcome. This encounter emphasized the importance of integrating theory into practice, highlighting the value of holistic and patient-centered care in nursing.

References

Molina-Mula, J., & Gallo-Estrada, J. (2020). Impact of Nurse-Patient Relationship on Quality of Care and Patient Autonomy in Decision-Making. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3), 835. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030835 

National Academies Press (US). (1995). Nursing Practice. Nursing Health, & Environment – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232401/ 

Naylor, M. D., Hirschman, K. B., Bowles, K. H., Bixby, M. B., Konick-Mcmahan, J., & Stephens, C. (2007). Care Coordination for Cognitively Impaired Older Adults and Their Caregivers. Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 26(4), 57–78. https://doi.org/10.1300/j027v26n04_05