The Betty Neuman Systems Model In Nursing

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At first, the study of nursing theories may seem like a daunting task, however understanding its appropriation and function makes them applicable to daily practice. Advanced practice nurses have strived for decades to distinguish nursing as a profession. With the creation of the metaparadigm, or the global focus of nursing, advanced practice nurses created not only a focus statement for all of nursing but also a definition in which to procure theories that drive all current nursing practices (McEwen and Wills, 2014). One theory that has withstood the test of time is the Betty Neuman Systems Model. Originating in the 1970’s, the Systems Model is so adaptable, that it can be applied to a variety of nursing fields in addition to different …show more content…

Neuman’s Systems model is comprehensive and dynamic which makes it ideal for both in and out patient settings. In the high stress and high acuity environment of the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, applying such a model can help retain a holistic focus on patients and understanding both actual and perceived stressors in an attempt to regain wellness. Although considered a large deviation from baseline wellness the role of the ICU nurse is to assist patients as far as possible towards wellness, transitioning to lower levels of care with goal of returning home. Author Paul Fulbrook (1991) used the Systems Model to create a unit philosophy that reflected a holistic view and also created a standardized worksheet, to help nurses create a personalized care plan based on each metaparadigm concept in addition to Neuman’s variables, lines of defense and resistance and actual or perceived stressors. (Figures 2-4) The adaptation of the Systems Model in the Portsmouth ICU, helped nurses develop an individualized plan of care and improved total care of both patient and …show more content…

As of 2012, more than half of all American adults have one or more chronic health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. (CDC,2015) . With costs for managing these preventable diseases totaling near $300 billion per year (CDC,2015) using prevention as intervention is unmistakably a more fiscal and proactive approach. One manner of helping Americans become more centered on self care and wellness is the role of the “Nurse Health Coach” which was conceptualized using Neuman’s Systems Model in addition to several other theorists. According to the INCA, the Nurse Health Coach is a holistic community based health and wellness nurse who works with clients to prevent chronic diseases through education and behavior modifications. The flexibility of the nursing profession places nurses in a prime position to move from the passive educator, “doer-fixer” role to that of a coach that works together with the system to create specific, achievable client centered goals that can be built upon in the future. Coaching will undoubtedly provide leadership opportunities for nurses to transform healthcare.
Conclusion: The Neuman Systems model is a flexible, easily understood and applicable to practice to meet to goals of a variety of clients. Whether or not, there is awareness, every practicing nurse holds a set of values, beliefs and knowledge that guides their care and is in

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