Lewin's Change Theory In Nursing

Lewin’s Change Theory includes 3 steps, unfreeze, change, and refreeze. The initial step of “unfreezing”, staff’s prior education or knowledge is to be rejected and replaced (Nursing Theory, 2015). An “out with the old” and “in with the new” thought process. The unfreezing helps the nurse to let go of an old thought process that is not productive or poses a safety risk to patient care. Nurse J., in the scenario, is an experienced critical care nurse, ACL certified, and previously trained in the sedation policy. The conscious sedation in this scenario probably had been performed hundreds of times, by the physician and Nurse J., with no difficulty, expecting this one to be no different. The fact that she was an experienced nurse she might

Resistance to change must be overcome before moving to the second stage. The second stage is the change stage. A change in feelings, behavior, thoughts or all three (Nursing Theory, 2015). This stage includes the “movement”. For this stage to be effective staff must be “on board”. The staff have to be involved and understand the benefits to themselves and patients in order to make the change. Nurse J. can lead staff and support changes to ensure better care for the patients. The staff behavior and thoughts regarding asking for help need to become a necessity, part of everyday practice. The third stage of Lewin’s change theory is refreezing (Nursing Theory, 2015). This step includes the staff using the implemented changes without deviation. The education regarding the new changes must be followed by practicing the new changes and applying the new changes with every patient, every time, until the new changes are “second nature”. The implementation of new staffing criteria and education of sedation policy are needed in this scenario. Every staff member, new and old, must be educated on the policy and updated every time when there is a change if applicable. Staffing grid should be implemented and staff need to