The theory of human becoming was developed at the end of the 20th century. The theory places the major stress on patients’ quality of life as well as relationships between nurses and patients. The medical and biological aspects are not the priority. One of the central assumptions of this theory is that the universe is indivisible and everchanging (Smith & Parker, 2014). This postulate means that humans are a part of the universe, so the environment plays a major role in their lives. In simple terms, nurses should take into account the environment when providing care. Nursing practitioners should also remember that each of their interactions with patients affects the latter and their decisions. It is also necessary to remember that the environment is changing quite quickly, which calls for changes in approaches, methods, and tools used to provide care.
As for my daily practice, the theory in question can be applied in many cases, or rather it can guide the entire practice. Working with women during such a significant (as well as dangerous, painful, emotionally difficult, etc.) period of their lives, nurses should be able to develop proper relationships with patients. Women in the labor and delivery department often feel nervous and sometimes desperate, so nurses should try to make them feel comfortable to avoid any complications. Notably, the theory helps nurses identify various aspects to take into account as nursing is not confined to medical and emotional or spiritual domains (Bournes & Mitchell, 2013). Nurses should take into account these aspects, but they should also pay attention to their patients’ environment (presence of their close ones, emotional state in different situations, needs, plans, family issues, availability of resources (health insurance package), fears, hopes, and so on). The nursing practitioner should help the woman to shift from her present state to a new stage in her life. The improvement of patients’ quality of life is the major priority. Another priority is respect. Nurses should respect patients’ freedom and choices they make. This part of the nursing practice can be the most difficult as it is associated with the need to solve numerous ethical dilemmas.
The theory will also be useful when I become a nursing leader. The application of the theory will transcend the domain of nurse-patient relationships and will affect the interactions with other healthcare professionals. Every nurse interacts with other practitioners. When applying the theory of human becoming to this area, the nurse will try to develop effective relationships with other healthcare professionals. Empathy will be a key component of these relationships. However, the nursing leader will apply the theory in a slightly different way. The focus will still be on relationships. At that, such aspects as hospital’s policies and regulations, employees’ traits and family issues, working environment, and the like will be taken into account. The nursing leader will try to facilitate the development of a friendly atmosphere in the working place. Regular meetings will include the discussion of patient satisfaction, patients’ health outcomes, as well as their present quality of life, and ways to improve it. The nursing leader will encourage and even inspire other healthcare professionals to apply the theory of human becoming in their daily practice. To achieve this goal, the nurse will have to use different approaches to try new methods due to the changeability of the environment. The application of this theory can be a difficult task, but it is likely to translate into better outcomes for all stakeholders.
References
Bournes, D. A., & Mitchell, G. J. (2013). Parse’s theory of humanbecoming in nursing practice. In M. R. Alligood (Ed.), Nursing theory: Utilization & application (pp. 368-394). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Smith, M., & Parker, M. (2014). Nursing theories and nursing practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.