Imogene King
Imogene King was born on January 30, 1923 and she was a pioneer of nursing theory development. After earning a diploma in nursing, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from St. Louis University. King later earned a Master of Science in nursing degree from St. Louis University and later, a Doctorate from Columbia University. She died on December 24, 2007. She developed two main nursing theories namely, theory of goal attainment and interacting systems theory of nursing. Goal attainment theory describes the types of interpersonal relationships that individuals develop in order to attain their life goals. According to the theory, examples of factors that influence the attainment of goals include time, stress, space, and roles.
Goal Attainment Theory
The goal attainment theory describes the interpersonal relationships that individuals develop in order to attain their life goals. Moreover, it includes factors that affect goal attainment. The theory comprises three interacting systems namely, personal, interpersonal, and social relationships. Each of the aforementioned systems has distinct concepts that aid individuals in goal attainment. Personal system concepts include body image, self, growth and development, and time. Interpersonal system concepts include stress, roles, communication, and interaction. Social system concepts include power, status, organization, and decision-making.
Theory Assumptions
The theory of goal attainment has six main assumptions. First, the major focus of nursing as a discipline and profession is the provision of health care to patients. Second, the goal of nursing is the promotion of the health care of both individuals and groups such as communities and families. Third, human beings interact with the environment daily. Fourth, nurses and patients communicate, set goals together, and work to achieve them in a mutual way. Fifth, patients look at and understand the world as they interact with the environment that comprises people and things. Sixth, transactions are life situations that are experienced by human beings in their interactions with the environment.
Application to Nursing Practice
Nurses conduct assessment during interactions with patients. They use their knowledge and skills to collect data regarding client’s health conditions. Clients bring self-awareness and perception of health problems while nurses bring knowledge and skills. Communication between nurses and patients is critical in the verification of perception’s accuracy. Nursing diagnosis is conducted using data collected during assessment. After diagnosis, nurses plan for appropriate interventions. According to goal attainment theory, planning involves setting goals and developing systems to achieve them. Implementation includes specific activities that aim to achieve health care provision goals. Evaluation is the process of finding out whether goals have been achieved or not.
Theory and Personal Nursing Philosophy’s Compatibility
The goal attainment theory is compatible with my nursing philosophy. My beliefs regarding the four nursing metaparadigms are similar to those of the theory. For instance, I believe that body image, perception and growth are key components of health. The theory’s concepts such as communication, stress, and decision-making form the foundation of my philosophy. I believe that the theory’s three systems are critical in nurse-patient relationships, provision of health care, and enhancement of human wellbeing.