Essay On Adaptation Theory

As humans are living entities, one will experience that we constantly strive to achieve balance to be able to function within one’s current environment. One may be aware or unaware of the never-ending changes made in order to achieve homeostasis within our environment, internal or external. In Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Theory it is said that, “Between the system and the environment occurs an exchange of information, matter, and energy” (Gonzalo, 2011, para. 1). In Roy’s theory the five major concepts include: the environment, health, person, nursing goals, and adaptation. I feel the most important major concept is the adaptation portion of the theory. Adaptation is the primary bases of the theory and has four parts: physiological, self-concept, role, and interdependence. I have utilized Roy’s theory into my own nursing practice in order to identify stimuli that the patient is experiencing within his/her environment. When a stimulus within the patient’s environment is present the patient will use coping mechanisms in order to gain a sense of balance with in the present changes that they might be experiencing.

As a nurse on an acute behavioral health unit, a majority of my patients come to the hospital on a voluntary status to withdraw from a chemical that one is addicted to. We offer a medically supervised detoxification program for the chemically dependent. Most of my patients are chemically dependent to alcohol, heroin, methamphetamines, marijuana and prescription medication. Upon admission for detoxification, the patient’s environment changes immediately. Environment is the first major concept in Roy’s theory, circumstances and conditions are different in the hospital compared to a patient’s daily living surroundings. Ch...

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...s all that is occurring, to practice gaining insight into their illness. When a patient has insight they will then be open for judgment and learning. Coping in my area of nursing is critical for optimal levels of growth within the patient. Chemically dependent individuals have poor coping skills; it is what has lead them to their addiction. I often ask my patient’s to practice relaxation techniques for coping with daily stressors or acute anxiety from withdrawal. Relaxation techniques include verbalizing thoughts/feelings, journaling, deep breathing techniques, and meditation. As a nurse I give tough love to my chemically dependent patient’s, I want them to know that they have not always been “here”, which is often described by patients as the “the lowest point” of their life, that things are constantly in movement, and to be open for the journey to their freedom.