The application of nursing theories in practice has gained momentum in the last few decades due to the satisfaction and efficiency they bring to healthcare institutions and providers. This essay will critically appraise the Neuman theory in relation to the nursing practice, with emphasis given to specific cases on the matter.
Neuman’s system model is instrumental in the provision of comprehensive holistic services which are overly focused on linking the client to the actual environmental determinants thus enhancing the utilization of nursing interventions (Neuman & Fawcett, 2001, p. 1-14). The theory was intended for graduate nursing programs and borrowed heavily from earlier theorists’ work. Neuman’s theory is premised on a unique client system that is continuously destabilized by environmental factors thereby exposing the client to the effects of the stressors particularly when the normal LOD is surpassed. The client experiences a dynamic nature brought about by the inter-relationships of all the factors thereby enhancing prevention measures. The theory, therefore, espouses that the client is a dynamic being experiencing constant exchanges with stressors in the environment (Clayton College and State University Department of Nursing; Parker, 2006).
The theory is based on several concepts that are imperative in its utilization by nursing practitioners. The variables that affect the individual in the environment form what is referred to as the whole client system. The basic structure of this system is comprised of a constellation of unique characteristics in the individual that is responsible for energy resources in the system. More importantly, the central core has some survival factors commonly found in the species and which include the genetic makeup and the normal temperature range in the species. Stability in the whole system also occurs when the energy supply is more than the energy demand. In this regard, the body system is involved in the ever-changing movement of energy that eventually leads to a balanced environment in the system. Other concepts involve the degree of reaction, flexibility and stability of the LOD, detrimental energy disorganization and the interaction between the input and output mechanisms. The application of prevention as a major intervention and the reconstitution of the system impacts on the changes in the levels of wellness (Clayton College and State University Department of Nursing; Parker, 2006).
The Neuman system model has found wide application in family nursing. The family is molded during its early developmental stages in order to enhance the effective integration of abstract ideas in the nursing practice (Reed, 1993, p. 93). The family, which acts as the client, is described thoroughly based on the experiences of the nursing practitioners and the data available from the clinical records. Eventually, a rationale that is applicable to the family nursing situation is developed based on the given variables in the model system. This model is also relevant in women’s health since it provides a clear rationale that the nurses will address the concerns of the women (Neuman & Fawcett, 2001). Of particular relevance, is that the nurses will be provided with a rationale that will act as a foundation for solving interrelationship processes between the clients and the environmental factors. Clinical data enhance the development of a better rationale that will focus largely on the prevention of the imbalances in the stressors. The competence in the nurses helps them in deciding the best prevention strategy for each client based on the findings from the rationale (Reed, 1993, p. 93; Meleis, 2006, p.15). More importantly, the incorporation and balancing of nursing practices and clients’ preferences are instrumental in enhancing the battle against environmental factors. This is in tandem with Neuman’s assertion that assessment of patient preferences is a must in nursing since it improves the care given to the patients (Neuman & Fawcett, 2001).
This study provides the evidence-based practice that is important in the development of an integrated family nursing program. The utilization of this evidence has greatly informed the nursing practice since the aspirations of the family are always taken into consideration Ume-Nwagbo, DeWan & Lowry, 2006, p. 32). The nurses have embraced the fact that the family environment has its own stressors, energy changes and survival factors instrumental in producing detrimental or positive changes when combined together. In line with this, tailor-made prevention measures have been put in place with the sole aim of cushioning the family from ill-health (Clayton College and State University Department of Nursing; Meleis, 2006, p.14).
The Newman system theory helps in understanding the impact of the integration of the concepts in family nursing. Family nursing has found relevance in nursing practice since it helps in the understanding of ill health and the etiology in individuals at the family level. This study serves its purpose of depicting the link between the family as a client system and the impact on health. Furthermore, the study provides another platform that helps in the enrichment of knowledge while also helping in the understanding of experiences in human life. The theory is important in the linkage of the client to the immediate environment thereby providing solutions to the problems brought about by the environmental factors. Proper application of the models is important in improving nursing practice.
Reference list
Clayton College and State University Department of Nursing. Nursing Theory Link Page. 2010. Web.
Meleis, I. (2006). Theoretical Nursing: Development and Progress.4th ed. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Neuman, B. & Fawcett, J. (2001). Neuman Systems Model. 4th Edition. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Parker, M. (2006). Nursing theories & nursing practice (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
Reed, K. (1993). Adapting the Neuman Systems Model for Family Nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 6(2), 93-97.
Ume-Nwagbo, P., DeWan, S. & Lowry, L. (2006). Using the Neuman systems model for best practices. Nursing Science Quarterly, 19(1), 31-5.