Title :Martha E. Roger’s Science of Unitary Human Beings A. Learning objectives for presentation, brief background on theorist, and usefulness/relevance of theory in current healthcare B. Appropriateness of theory to role of nurse practitioner & presentation of key points of theory and applicability of concepts to daily advanced nursing practice and MSN Essentials C. Critique [evaluation of theory’s strengths/weaknesses and discussion of future practice implications]
A. Learning objectives for presentation, brief background on theorist, and usefulness/relevance of theory in current healthcare
Learning objectives for this presentation on Martha E. Roger’s Science of Unitary Human Beings (SUHB) theory include:
1. Understanding the background and foundational concepts of Roger’s SUHB theory.
2. Recognizing the relevance and usefulness of Roger’s SUHB theory in current healthcare practice.
3. Identifying specific applications of Roger’s SUHB theory in healthcare settings.
Martha E. Rogers (1914-1994) was an American nurse theorist and author, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work in the field of nursing theory. Rogers received her nursing education at the Knoxville General Hospital School of Nursing and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nursing from George Peabody College for Teachers in 1936. She completed her Master’s degree in Nursing from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1945 and obtained a Doctorate in Science from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1954. Rogers served as professor and chair of the Division of Nursing at New York University from 1954 to 1975.
Roger’s SUHB theory proposes that human beings are dynamic energy fields inseparable from the larger environment. According to her theory, each human being is a unified whole and is continuously evolving and interacting with the environment. She believed that nursing should focus on promoting harmony and balance within these energy fields, promoting health and well-being.
The relevance and usefulness of Roger’s SUHB theory in current healthcare practice is significant. In today’s healthcare environment, there is a growing recognition of the need for a holistic and patient-centered approach to care. Roger’s theory supports this perspective by emphasizing the interrelatedness of the individual and their environment. It allows healthcare providers to consider the impacts of physical, social, and environmental factors on the overall well-being of patients.
Roger’s SUHB theory also provides a framework for understanding the unique nature of human beings and their responses to health and illness. It encourages healthcare professionals to view individuals as complex energy fields with their own patterns and rhythms, rather than solely as a collection of symptoms or diseases. This perspective can enhance the quality of care by promoting individualized interventions and personalized treatments.
B. Appropriateness of theory to role of nurse practitioner & presentation of key points of theory and applicability of concepts to daily advanced nursing practice and MSN Essentials
The SUHB theory is highly appropriate to the role of a nurse practitioner (NP) as it aligns with the principles of advanced nursing practice and the overall goal of improving patient outcomes. As a nurse practitioner, one of the key responsibilities is to provide holistic care that takes into account the individual as a whole, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. Roger’s SUHB theory provides a theoretical framework that supports this approach to care.
In daily advanced nursing practice, NPs can apply the key points of Roger’s SUHB theory to guide their assessments, interventions, and evaluations. The theory emphasizes the understanding of the individual as a dynamic energy field, which requires NPs to assess the patient’s unique patterns and adapt their care accordingly. By recognizing the interconnectedness of patients with their environment, NPs can consider not only physiological factors but also social determinants of health when developing care plans.
The MSN Essentials, which outline the core competencies for graduate-level nursing education, also align with Roger’s SUHB theory. The Essentials emphasize the importance of providing patient-centered care, promoting health equity, and utilizing evidence-based practice. Roger’s theory supports these principles by advocating for the consideration of the whole person and their environment, as well as the utilization of evidence to inform decision-making.
Nurse practitioners can apply concepts from Roger’s SUHB theory to daily practice by incorporating it into their assessment and intervention processes. This can involve utilizing holistic assessment tools that capture the individual’s physical, emotional, and social aspects. It can also involve implementing interventions that promote balance and harmony within the energy field, such as mind-body techniques, patient education, and environment modification.
C. Critique [evaluation of theory’s strengths/weaknesses and discussion of future practice implications]
Roger’s SUHB theory has several strengths that contribute to its usefulness in guiding advanced nursing practice. One of the main strengths is its holistic nature, which aligns with current healthcare paradigms. By focusing on the individual as a unified whole, it allows for a comprehensive understanding of their health and well-being. This holistic perspective also supports patient-centered care and promotes individualized interventions.
Another strength of the SUHB theory is its emphasis on the interrelatedness of individuals and their environment. This recognition of the impact of the environment on health outcomes enables healthcare providers to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. The theory also acknowledges the dynamic nature of the individual, emphasizing the importance of continuous adaptation and evolution in response to environmental changes.
However, there are also some weaknesses associated with Roger’s SUHB theory. One criticism is that it can be difficult to operationalize in practice. The theory’s abstract nature and reliance on energy fields as a conceptual framework can make it challenging to translate into concrete interventions and measurements. Additionally, some argue that the theory lacks empirical evidence to support its concepts and effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.
In terms of future practice implications, the SUHB theory can continue to inform and shape advanced nursing practice. As healthcare becomes more complex and diverse, the theory’s emphasis on individualized care and holistic assessment can help meet the unique needs of patients. Its focus on the environment also aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of social determinants of health. Further research is needed to validate the theory’s effectiveness and develop practical tools for its implementation in various healthcare settings.
Overall, Martha E. Roger’s SUHB theory offers valuable insights and guidance for advanced nursing practice. Its holistic and patient-centered approach aligns with current healthcare paradigms and can be applied to a wide range of clinical settings. By incorporating the key points of the theory into daily practice, nurse practitioners can enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes.