Nursing Theory
A middle-range nursing theory constituting the nursing process and focusing on the care of the human being is the Theory of Goal Attainment developed by Imogene King. This theory consists of three interacting concepts: personal systems, interpersonal systems, and social systems. Even with these three systems being interacting, the nursing goal is the health of individuals. King maintains that the patient and nurse are equal partners in the nursing process.
Conceptual systems The first concept of the Goal Attainment theory is the personal system. This is comprised of the individual alone. How the individual perceives oneself as who he is by physical, mental and emotional well-being is the basis for the individuals’ wholeness. The individuals’ reactions are based on perceptions, expectations and needs. Human beings interact constantly with their environment. The environment must bring balance and harmony to the individual as this presents the background for human interactions. The nurse becomes part of the patients’ external environment. The individual has a need for health information, how to care for self with preventative measures and available care when unable to help oneself. The second concept of the Goal Attainment theory is interpersonal systems or the group involved in the situation. It is the interaction between the nurse and the group to communicate what goals are to be set and how these goals will be acted upon. Each person will have a role in the process of action and reaction. Stress can be an environmental factor both internally and externally that can impact life experiences. Usefulness of resources available to achieve the
Conceptual systems The first concept of the Goal Attainment theory is the personal system. This is comprised of the individual alone. How the individual perceives oneself as who he is by physical, mental and emotional well-being is the basis for the individuals’ wholeness. The individuals’ reactions are based on perceptions, expectations and needs. Human beings interact constantly with their environment. The environment must bring balance and harmony to the individual as this presents the background for human interactions. The nurse becomes part of the patients’ external environment. The individual has a need for health information, how to care for self with preventative measures and available care when unable to help oneself. The second concept of the Goal Attainment theory is interpersonal systems or the group involved in the situation. It is the interaction between the nurse and the group to communicate what goals are to be set and how these goals will be acted upon. Each person will have a role in the process of action and reaction. Stress can be an environmental factor both internally and externally that can impact life experiences. Usefulness of resources available to achieve the