The application of nursing theory serves an important role in furthering the nursing profession and its education, research, and practice. Books have been written on the application of nursing theory to education, research, and practice as the application of nursing theory abounds in various nursing situations. As a result, a focus on stem cell transplantation will serve to narrow the scope for this writing assignment. A nurse applying Florence Nightingale’s nursing theory will complete an assessment of the patient’s environment and will implement interventions as needed. An evaluation of the implemented interventions will be necessary in order to adequately assess the outcome. Florence Nightingale’s …show more content…
Kevin understood that compliance would play a huge role in his recovery. Aware that his recovery was a process that would take a lot of time, he worked with the health care team to set realistic goals regarding medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
Reflecting on Kevin’s nursing care needs after his stem cell transplant, can give nurses new insights about Florence Nightingale’s nursing theory. The nurses caring for the Crimean War patients may have included soldiers suffering from survivor’s guilt in a time when social workers were not found in hospitals. Also, good nursing care would include educating the patient and his or her support person with discharge instructions for the return home. These instructions would have included the environmental principles that are vital to post transplant care today.
Martha Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings can also be applied to stem cell transplantation as her theory also included an environment to patient relationship (Alligood, 2014). Applying her theory to stem cell transplantation is relevant as a successful transplant is often rooted in the continuum of care as patients move between health care settings and the home, rather than an episodic illness. …show more content…
Although he was anxious to return to cycling, he needed to build up his muscles and joints. Building stamina and strength would be an important goal as Kevin set a goal to walk from his bed to the bathroom, then in the hallway, and then around the hospital unit first with assistance and later without assistance.
Joyce Travelbee’s theory of human-to-human relationship theory is useful in the field of stem cell transplant. In Kevin’s case, Travelbee’s theory is relevant in that a rapport was needed between the nurse and the patient in order to recognize Kevin’s self-appraisal of feeling guilty for living. Jean Watson’s theory of human caring and the need to instill faith and hope is instrumental to stem cell transplantation. Kevin became friends with other patients, some of whom died. This experience led to him questioning his own spirituality. Because he trusted the nurse, he was comfortable asked her the question, “why me?” and later was asking the question, “why not