As time progresses, the responsibilities and expectations of a nurse are in a state of fluctuation. Despite the chaos, the field of nursing is rapidly expanding and is receiving more and more recognition as an independent body of knowledge. The recognition of nursing as a profession is fairly new, even though the practice has existed for many years. Many different theories and ideas have been comprised over the years and they make up a large portion of the body of knowledge that nursing practice is actually based upon. In my trials and experiences, Dorethea Orem's self-care deficit theory encompasses the necessity of nursing care very well and also covers the meaning behind different types of care that a nurse can provide.
Introduction to Orem.
Dorothea Orem was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and obtained a diploma of nursing at Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, D.C. in 1934. She then went on to the Catholic University of America to earn a B.S. in Nursing Education in 1939 and went to achieve a master's degree in Nursing in 1945 from the Catholic University of America. Orem worked a variety of positions throughout her professional career including, professor, Dean of Nursing, floor nurse, nurse educator, administrator, and as a nurse consultant. In this stent of many different perspectives and roles in nursing, Orem developed the nursing self-care deficit theory, which is regarded as one of the most highly recognized nursing theories to date. (The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 2007).
Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory.
Orem's self-care deficit theory based on the self-care needs of the patient; therefore these needs are the focus of care. Orem's theory defines self-care as a learned activity directed toward the self by maintaining life, health, development, and well-being which is goal oriented. (Potter & Perry, 2009) In this theory, she recognizes the requirements necessary for self-care to be attainable.
