Running head: OREM’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL

Orem’s Conceptual Model

Yasmin Gonzalez

Old Dominion University

OREM’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL 2

Orem’s Conceptual Model

The purpose of this paper gives this writer an opportunity to focus, and complete an in-

depth analysis of a nursing model discussed throughout the semester. As I review the nursing

frameworks of Neuman, Roy, King Pender, Leininger, Kolcaba, Orem, and Swanson, I realize

that I commonly use Orem’s Self-Care Deficit theory of Nursing. Orem’s theory focuses to

enhance a person’s ability for self-care which extends to the care of the patient’s family. There

are three sub- theories to guide nursing practice: Self-care Theory, Self-Care Deficit, and the

nursing system. Self-care are activities are performed on their own behalf to maintain life, health,

and well-being. Those who perform such activities on their own accord are known as a self-care

agent. When the individual can no longer perform self-care activities, or deviate from a position

of health, a self-care deficit is identified. The self-care deficit could be small, or it could possibly

be a huge self-care deficit. The nurse then becomes the nursing care agent for the individual.

Education, knowledge, and clinical experience assists individuals to meet their self-care

demands. The functions of the nursing care agent are categorized into three functions: wholly

compensatory, partly compensatory, and support-educative. The theory is well liked throughout

the nursing community because of its instinctual sense and it is one of the easiest theories to

apply. A wide range of nursing specialties and situations can apply this framework to deliver

nursing care. Limitations regarding this particular theory is patient to nurse ratio. One on one

sessions are needed to rehabilitate an individual to perform self-care and become a self-agent.

When a nurse has an assignment of eight patients, it is difficult to find time to perform all the

activities to promote self-care. The individual would receive subpar care if they cannot be

assisted with their self-care activities. Becoming a skilled, devoted, and knowledgeable nursing

care agent can meet the demands of each individual that is cared for.
OREM’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL 2

Orem’s Self-Care Deficit

Described earlier in the paper, Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing can be

applied to many areas in nursing. The nursing journal applied Orem’s theory easily to

incontinence care of the patient. The article uses all three of Orem’s theories: self-care, self-care

deficit, and nursing system. “The usefulness of Orem’s theory lies in its unique ability to provide

a framework upon which the nurse creates a logical method to guide assessment, determine the

nursing intervention, and deliver the nursing care to the client” (Bernier, Using Orem’s Theory to

Direct Continence Care, para. 1). The continence nurse uses Orem’s theory to plan and gather

information to address the individual’s stress incontinence. Ultimately, the goal’s intention is to

cure symptoms before symptoms worsen. The nurse is familiar with the everyday care to provide

to individuals who cannot eliminate waste on their own, or need assistance to do so. The theory

is applied and practiced in the article. The application of incontinence care is guided by Orem’s

Theory, and the nursing role within the health care setting.

Clinical Practice

The issue that arises during my work shift throughout night is the inadequate help that we

receive to assist the individuals with elimination. During day shift, there are three nursing care

partners in addition to physical therapists who assist in patient care; whereas, the staff at night is

limited to two nursing care partners and the registered nurses who assist in patient. The amount

of help during the day is substantially more compared to the help at night. This can become a

deficit to the nursing care agent. There have been instances where we cannot assist in self-care to

help assist in eliminating waste. Due to the inadequate help at night, I have had individuals

eliminate on themselves. This should never occur, and as a nursing care agent I should have the

resources to help assist an individual with this self-care need.

OREM’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL 2

The chosen theory guides my nursing care daily. I work on an orthopedic floor with many

joint replacement surgeries. Many of the individuals have a minimal self-care deficit related to

impaired mobility following surgery. As a nursing care agent, I help assist self-care in the

morning for their daily routines that include, eliminating waste, bathing, dressing, and brushing

teeth. I promote self-care by allowing the individual to participate in their self-care demands.

This method guides my nursing actions and decisions to help the individual return to their

optimal level.

Personal Philosophy

Orem’s theory relates to my own philosophy of nursing which I am guided each day with

Orem’s conceptual model. My goal every day is to assist the individual to a better health

standard at the most optimal level they can achieve. Learning from each individual teaches me to

become a better nursing care agent; furthermore, I can provide improved self-care more

efficiently to my patients.

Conclusion

As an employed nurse with clinical experience, and completion of this assignment, it

provides me with a better understanding of Orem’s Self-Care Nursing Theory. It gives me the

opportunity to examine how I deliver care to individuals. I have increased my knowledge,

becoming more engaged in my practice promoting self-care. Each individual needs to establish

self-care demands on their own accord. If a situation when self-care deficit occurs, that is when I,

the nursing care agent, assists with their self-care demands. It is my goal to promote self-care for

the good the individual. Finally, I continue my nursing journey with new found knowledge on

promoting self-care.
OREM’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL 2

References

(2017 ). Retrieved November 25, 2017, from http://www.nursingworld.org/

Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc

Honor Code Statement

““I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from
any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as
a member of the academic community it is responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the
Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.”
Yasmin Gonzalez 11/26/17
OREM’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL 2

Guidelines Rubric Comments Points

Earned

Select a specific Summary of the theory 10%

nursing
philosophy, Describe the benefits/relevant
conceptual model usefulness of the theory. 5%
or theory
Describe the limitations of the theory.
discussed in this
5%
course.
Identify one Briefly summarize the focus of the
nursing journal article.
article from the 10%
literature that Critique the application or testing of
discusses the the theory in the article. 10%
theory selected.
Must use a journal
article that was not
already assigned
in this course.
Relate theory to Describe a clinical practice issue in
clinical practice. your work or clinical education
setting.
10%
Examine how the selected theory
would guide your actions and
decisions in the delivery of nursing
care related to this issue. 15%
Relate theory to Explain the significance/value of this
personal theory to your own personal
philosophy. philosophy of nursing. 10%
Discuss learning. Examine how this assignment
contributed (or not) to your
understanding of nursing theory. 5%
Spelling, grammar, punctuation, body is no longer than 5
pages
10%
APA format 10%

Final Grade