Use of Nursing Theory to Guide DNP Projects
A pressure ulcer is one of the major health challenge occasionally faced in clinical practices. This health condition has a massive impact on the quality and cost of healthcare and life. Irrespective of the health background, pressure ulcers can be experienced even during the most progressive treatment procedure. Per se, this DNP project aims at ensuring that the health and safety of these patients are guaranteed (Reddy, Gill, & Rochon, 2006). The goal can be achieved through offering adequate training to the emergency room nurses on the how to initiate an early intervention strategy. The frequency rates of pressure ulcers can only be contained through efficient and prompt nursing care (Reddy, Gill, & Rochon, 2006). The DNP project will apply Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory to help homebound patients adhere strictly to prevention measures for pressure ulcers.
Some of the core objectives of this nursing theory will include; assessing the patient conditions, identifying their particular needs and demonstrating effective communication and interaction with the pressure ulcers patients. This approach encourages self-care for homebound patients in a comprehensive nursing system (Taylor, & Orem, 2006). It proposes training for nurses on how to initiate and monitor patient self-care and make a follow-up on whether the patient is adhering to the medication procedures (Taylor, & Orem, 2006). The theory further proposes that a thorough background check should be conducted to determine whether the homebound pressure ulcer patients need any assistance to prevent possible readmission.
Orem’s theory further stipulates that a ‘deficient area’ should be established to analyze the cause of the pressure ulcer followed by a proper diagnosis (Taylor, & Orem, 2006). The primary objective of the nurses will be to achieve an optimal level of self-care in a viable nursing system. At the end of the project, the theory will assume that the patients will be able to understand the significance of maintaining an optimum level of self-care, and sticking to the treatment procedures upon being discharged from the hospital.
References
Reddy, M., Gill, S. S., & Rochon, P. A. (2006). Preventing pressure ulcers: a systematic review. Jama, 296(8), 974-984.
Schiff, E. (2006). Preparing the health workforce. Issue paper released by the Secretary of Education’s Commission on the Future of Higher Education. Washington, DC: US Department of Education.
Taylor, S. G., & Orem, D. E. (2006). Self-care deficit theory of nursing. Tomey AM, Alligood MR. Nursing theorists and their work. Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.