Based on this case study how would the nurse actualize Parse's theory of Human Becoming?
Parse’s theory of human becoming achieves its purposes by developing a patient’s understanding of three principles related to life and human psychology; Meaning, rhythmicity and transcendence. It is important to note that real progress can only be made when the nurse has an acute understanding of the patient’s situation. In the presented case, Ben is at a critical point where he has to deal with the loss of his beloved wife. From the details presented, Ben and Ann are quite close and they seem to have a real connection, one that is beyond just physical. From Ben’s insights and actions during his wife’s last moments, we can deduce that he is a relatively transparent guy. The nurse should take advantage of Ben’s transparency and continue engaging him using subtle conversation throughout the treatment period. While doing this, it is important to make use of simple open-ended questions so as to maximize patient responses.
Professor Parse predisposes that man’s reality is defined by our experiences and environment, in addition to our understanding of both. By evaluating experiences and environments using thought processes, meaningful assessments and conclusions may be derived (Parse, 2004). From the conversations preceding Ann’s last moments, it is easy to articulate that the couple had previously dealt with painful experiences of death in a meaningful manner. In this case, and in accordance with the theory of human becoming, ‘meaningful’ refers to the patient’s individual understanding of events. While the patient’s perceptions do not have to be ‘right’ or even conventional, it best when the assessments are well-informed and individually meaningful. To achieve the desired outcomes of Parse’s theory, the nurse should engage the patient humanely and understandingly (Parse, 2005). Any attempts to cap the patient’s freedom of thought should be avoided. The nurse should additionally present relevant information that may be employed by the patient in perception refinement. Under such conditions, Ben will have the chance to develop a meaningful sense of the seemingly unfortunate occurrence.
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Secondly, the principles of Parse’s theory may be actuated by developing the patient`s understanding of the rhythmic nature of life. According to Parse, human beings coexist with their environment (Parse, 2005). It is, therefore, inevitable for there to be a correspondence between the events of the universe and the events that define man’s life. We can, thus, conclude that the seasonality of life is a natural law. To put it in a nutshell, the nurse should guide Ben towards a better perception of death, its inevitability, as well as its significance. The practitioner should use the patient’s responses to estimate how far off their views are from the reality of existence. Afterwards, relevant information can be availed directly to the patient by the nurse or even indirectly through the use of manageable spiritual and social support systems. Typically, the nurse will have to employ their own understanding of existence. This is a skill that requires development and consistent refinement.
Parse’s third principle of transcendence focuses on the need and capacity for transformation and adaptation to life’s circumstances. Considering their apparently close relationship, Ann’s absence is sure to leave a severe void in Ben’s life. Though unfortunate and uncalled for, Ben will not only have to move on, but also enjoy life after the devastating loss. This calls for the nurse’s guidance and reassurance of Ben’s ability to harness life out of the grave loss. To optimize the suitability and effectiveness of the treatment, focus should be placed on a gradual refining of Ben’s understanding of things, rather than a hasty presentation of seemingly better notions. For instance, the nurse may build on Ben’s views of shooting stars. Death may be presented as a transition to mystical stardom.
What are the characteristics of a human becoming nurse?
Considering the work description of a human becoming nurse, good interpersonal skill is the basis for effective intervention. Unlike conventional treatments, Parse’s theory largely depends on the patient’s own perspective (Parse, 2004). This means that for starters, the nurse must be able to reach out to the patient effectively in a manner that fosters response and progressive recovery. In this case, the nurse must possess good conversational skills. This must include the ability to use open-ended questions while listening attentively for both meaning and feeling.
In addition, once the outreach has been achieved, the nurse must be able to avail relevant information to the patient. This requires good research skills, access to consulting support and a critical understanding of life. Furthermore, the practitioner must also be able to convey the obtained information both progressively and effectively. Although providing information support is increasingly helpful, true and effective intervention is based on empathetic listening (Parse, 2005).
What are strengths and weaknesses to this theory of nursing?
Although Parse’s theory is still young, its use and critique have exposed both its strengths and shortcomings. One the distinct pros of Parse’s theory is its caregiving nature, a primal principle of nursing as a discipline. The theory of human becoming sets nursing apart from other disciplines by focusing on nurse-patient relationship. Additionally, the theory present ideal win-win situations of learning. It refines the patient’s understanding of assorted aspects of life while also enlightening the practitioner on the same. Another advantage of Parse’s theory is its clarity and simplicity. It offers simple guidelines and methodologies which the nurse can employ in effecting recovery. Moreover, the information obtained during the treatment period stands as a useful contribution to various disciplines of psychology.
The main weaknesses of this theory is that the treatment outcomes cannot be quantified. This makes it almost impossible to ascertain the effectiveness of treatment. Furthermore, human perception is a complex topic. Estimation of the efficacy of the treatment requires follow-up activity due to the dynamic nature of mental states. Another con of the theory is that its capacity to impede a patient’s individual understanding by availing external aids. Additionally, the theory is not suitable for novice practitioners as it depends on an acute understanding of life.
What challenges exist for healthcare institutions to switch to this nursing approach?
First and foremost, Parse’s theory does not focus on fixing health problems, as is the norm of all healthcare institution. The theory of human becoming focuses on the patient’s perspectives. This makes this nursing approach quite ambiguous. In addition, although interventions and expected outcomes may be outlined, it is almost impossible to enumerate treatment efficacy and outcomes. To crown it all, the treatment largely depends on the practitioner’s innate qualities such as social skill and charisma. It also requires the nurse to have and understanding and an acceptance of the ideals that define the theory. This makes the theory unsuitable for use by most qualified personnel.
How might Parse's understanding of transcendence guide the nurse, as Ann's death became a reality to Ben?
As stated earlier, the principle of transcendence focuses on the need and capacity for transformation and adaptation to life’s circumstances. According to Parse, human beings can overcome the limits they set for themselves by understanding the transformational reality of life. While some changes might be unfortunate, they are only part on the natural system. As life has proven time and again, change is inevitable and thus, should be expected. The practitioner can help Ben understand death more meaningfully; as a transformation, rather than as an end.
From the nursing theories we have discussed, what additional theory would you apply to this case study?
Parse’s theory may be related to the theory of the expanding consciousness developed by Margaret Newman. In this theory, Newman suggest that despite the obvious disorder that defines our understanding of life, there are obvious patterns in life. These patterns are identifiable and can be understood with time. An understanding of the patterns of life and their obvious relation to the patterns of the universe results in a holistic view of life and human limits (Younas & Parveen 2017).
Plan of Care
Expected Outcomes
Owing to the unquantifiable nature of the expected outcomes of the human becoming theory, projected results shall be vague and somewhat subjective. The nursing outcomes will be based on the main principles of Parse’s theory as well as the intricacies of recognizing and appreciating life patterns by Newman;
Achievement of a meaningful understanding of Ann’s death and death in general
Achievement of an understanding of the rhythmic nature of life
Achievement of an understanding of human limits and the inevitability, goodness and capacity for transformational changes.
Interventions
To achieve projected outcomes, the practitioner shall:
Engage Ben to ascertain pre-existing notions on life. For instance, from the case presented, it can be deduced that both Ben and Ann seem to believe in the transformational power of death, from humans into heavenly beings.
The practitioner shall purpose to build on Ben’s understanding of meaning, rhythmicity and transcendence in order to result in a more refined and realistic understanding. Spiritual support shall be offered and progress determined through delicate conversation.
Based on responses, the practitioner shall avail information support through texts, images and even videos that are of specific relevance to the patient.
As a final step, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of the conveyed information in achieving the expected outcomes of Parse’s theory; a meaningful understanding of life, rhythmicity, change, and the ability to overcome adversity.
Conclusion
Although Parse’s methods are unconventional, they offer the much-needed psychological support required post traumatic events. Additionally, although treatment outcomes are unquantifiable, the overall idea of achieving an acute understanding of life as a tool for overcoming adversity is quite sensible and self-justifiable.
References
Parse, R. R. (2004). A Human Becoming Teaching-Learning Model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(1), 33-35. doi:10.1177/0894318403260549
Parse, R. R. (2005). The Human Becoming Modes of Inquiry: Emerging Sciencing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 18(4), 297-300. doi:10.1177/0894318405380394
Younas, A., & Parveen, S. (2017). Finding Patterns of Meaning: Margaret Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness. Creative Nursing, 23(4), 207-214. doi:10.1891/1078-4535.23.4.207
