Nursing Theory and Healthcare Organization

Nursing Theory and Healthcare Organization

            Nursing Theory and Healthcare Organization Jean Orlando’s Nursing Process Theory can be applied by the nurse manager in dealing with an administrative issue such as the staff performance. The Theory considers that the nurse-patient relationship is a reciprocal process. Therefore, the actions of each party affect the other. The Nursing Process Theory emphasizes patient participation and the intelligent deliberation by the nurse during all nursing processes (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Orlando argues that the nursing actions should focus on the individual and his or her immediate needs and concerns.

            The application of the Nursing Process Theory in resolving a staff performance issue should involve several steps. First, the nurse manager should evaluate the staff’s behaviors, feelings and thoughts to determine the underlying cause of the poor performance.  The assessment process should consider both the verbal and nonverbal behavior exhibited by the staff during the manager-staff interactions and communications. The implementation of systems to facilitate effective manager-staff communication and expression of the staff’s needs, concerns and interests is crucial to the manager’s understanding of the causes of the poor performance. Secondly, the nurse manager should reflect on the staff’s behavior and concerns and share her feelings and thoughts with the staff to ascertain the accuracy of her interpretation of their behavior (Alligood, 2014). The manager should then deliberate on the personal and professional inputs that will be needed to address the poor staff performance. Thirdly, the manager should consciously implement the actions that will respond most effectively to the staff’s needs and expectations and validate the effectiveness of those actions after they have been completed.

            An example of a staff performance issue that can be addressed using the Nursing Process Theory is the increase in the incidences of pressure ulcers among the patients recovering from surgery. Holding interactive meetings with the unit nurses where they can voice their opinions and concerns openly would offer the nurse manager crucial insights regarding care delivery aspects such as the nurse-patient ratio, stress and burnout.