Parse’s theory
Abstract
Nursing is a very demanding profession. Several researchers and theorists have endeavored to explain the various concepts relating to the practice and means of promoting good health among the clients. As a result, most nurses are equipped to excel in the field and offer quality care. However, through the provisions of Parse’s theory of Human Becoming, the nurses get more insight into how to interact with patients with special cases like the loss of loved ones, and how such bereaved persons can overcome the trying times. Parse’s theory, through its various structures, that is, meaning, rhythm, and transcendence, ensures the nurses always provide unmatched services to their patients. The theory still has its share of shortcomings, despite the notable advantages. The paper thus responds to a scenario of how Parse’s theory can be applied to improve health and restore quality life. Also, a human becoming nurse’s characteristics are explained, and how nurses can receive guidance from the theory to improve on service delivery.
introduction
Parse’s theory of human becoming is a very influential theory in the field of nursing. The theory helps in guiding and shaping nurses’ work while caring for the sick. It diverts the nurses’ focus and attention into concentrating on the patients’ quality of life even as they endure such challenging sickness circumstances. Parse’s theory of human becoming is divided into three structures. First is the meaning, an aspect described as the reality and experience a patient once lived. The second structure is the rhythmicity, explained as the idea of co-creating rhythmical patterns of relationships while observing the mutual process with the universe. The final structure covers transcendence, defined as the will to go beyond an individual’s known limits. This paper aims to discuss Parse’s theory of Human Becoming, its strengths and weaknesses, applications, and the challenges the healthcare institutions encounter while adopting the approach. Further, the paper explores a different theory that can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in support or multidisciplinary science or teams.
1
In order to actualize Parse’s theory of Human Becoming, the nurse could develop a plan of care to carter for the patient’s needs. The plan will enable the nurse to guide the patient through the difficult times. By following the stages highlighted in Parse’s theory of human becoming, that is, meaning, rhythmicity, and transcendence, the nurse will help Ben come to the reality of the events. For example, through meaning, the nurse will identify with Ben’s feelings and the situation at hand. Also, by synchronizing rhythm, the nurse will empathetically dwell with Ben’s thoughts and reasoning. Finally, by observing transcendence, the nurse can comfort Ben to face the fact that Ann is no more. The nurse can support Ben and assist him with whatever he requires to face Ann’s demise. All the tasks that the nurse will be performing will be aimed at helping Ben regain quality life without the Ann by his side.
2
It is essential to understand the fundamental properties of Parse’s theory of human becoming upon which the nurses draw their characteristics. The theory encompasses the following properties. There is the unitary human-living, possession of human’s pattern to relate with different issues and value priorities, rhythmically constituting the relation of human-universe process, and having the “Inter subjective process of transcending with the possible and unitary human’s emerging” (quote).
Based on the above traits, a human becoming nurse must exhibit specific characteristics in line with service delivery. First, the nurse must be focused on the tasks at hand, that is, be task-oriented. This trait allows the nurse to understand that their primary task is to give the patients the best care possible and help them achieve a quality life. Secondly, the nurse must recognize and respect that the patients are the authority and leaders of their individual lives. As a result, the nurse must put aside their values and comply with the patient’s needs. Thirdly, nurses must observe a holistic approach while interacting with the patients. Finally, the nurse must be the patients’ advocate in a way that they must comply with the customs, rights, and beliefs of the patients.
3.
Like any other study area, Parse’s theory of human becoming has both strengths and weaknesses, as observed in its implementation. Among the strengths is that the theory enables nurses to understand how human beings behave and react to various environments. Thus, nurses can formulate the best ways to offer care based on different situations at hand. Secondly, the theory provides a deeper understanding of how nursing is different from other disciplines by identifying the various prospective distinguishing nursing from other professions. Additionally, the theory is efficient for educational purposes. It prepares nurses to be better professionals, lays the ground for research methodologies, and provides the necessary frameworks that guide and shape inquiry of other theories.
Among the notable weaknesses include the following. First, the theory cannot be applied in every nursing situation, like the assessment of acute, emergency care, and novice nurse. Secondly, the theory does not provide quantifiable results, lacks standardized questions, and has no control group. This makes it difficult to compare it with other research studies. Thirdly, it neglects the nursing process like diagnoses. Finally, “It negates the idea that each person engages in a unique lived experience” (quote).
4.
Utilizing Parse’s theory of human becoming in daily events might plunge healthcare institutions into various challenges, including financial crises, shortage of nurses, and the excessive biomedical patient needs. The facilities require constant financial flow to implement the theory entirely. Therefore, many healthcare providers might be forced to cut their overall expenses by reducing professional nursing staff, resulting in a shortage of nurses. The remaining personnel will experience increased workloads. Eventually, the increased workload means the nurses will not explore patients’ perceptions entirely. They will instead opt for biomedical model care in practice.
5.
Parse’s theory explains transcendence as the means of identifying unique ways necessary in the transformation process. From the case study, the in-charge nurse must identify with Ben’s issue and understand how difficult he feels for losing a wife. Being that Ben has also lost some close people in his life, that is, Jessie and Abe, the nurse, must weigh the uphill task facing Ben’s life. The nurse must focus on the best ways to help Ben face reality and regain his quality of life. It is upon the nurse to ensure Ben accepts the environmental change around him and develop means to cope with the arising loneliness. For example, the nurse can advise Ben to live with other relatives and frequently check up on his progress. The nurse can also recommend him for support groups and guidance and counseling programs.
6.
The additional theory I would apply is Margaret Newman’s theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness. The theory asserts that “Every person in every situation, regardless of how disordered and hopeless it may seem, is part of the universal process of expanding consciousness, which is a process of becoming more of oneself, finding greater meaning in life, and of reaching new dimensions of connectedness with other people and the world” (quote).
Therefore, both Parse’s theory of Human Becoming and Margaret Newman’s theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness addresses the related concepts in nursing, that is, health, Consciousness, and pattern. The two theory borrows from Martha Rogers’ theory of science of unitary human beings. As a result, they both offer a holistic view of health and considers patients and human beings in general as unitary beings. This means that everyone’s optimal health solely depends on the mind, spirit, and body equilibrium. Further, the two theories recognize the environment’s role in determining the overall patient care outcome.
7.
Following Parse’s theory, the plan’s focus will be to abide by the three practice dimensions, such as identifying meaning, synchronizing rhythm, and mobilizing transcendence. Following Newman’s theory, the focus will also be on its three dimensions: movement, rhythm, and diversity. Therefore, incorporating both theories can lead to the following plans. Firstly, the most vital component in this situation is to be empathetic, listen, and understand Ben’s view on the incident. This will provide a situation where he can be prepared psychologically for home-based care.
As a nurse, it upon me to continue the interactions with Ben for him to open up about his struggles, fears, experience, among other arising needs. Additionally, I will introduce him to psychological guidance and support initiatives where he can link up with individuals undergoing similar or related issues to help him adapt to his new reality.
The second plan is to abide by Ben’s feelings and thoughts, thereby aligning myself with his rhythm. This will help Ben synchronize easily and improve on his new routine and face the reality of life. I will identify goals based on the highlighted feelings from the bereaved and help him improve on his wellbeing.
Finally, based on the second plan’s goals, I will identify best practices and measures necessary for enhancing the full attainment of such initiatives. For example, I will help establish what Ben plans on doing in the absence of his late wife.
conclusion
Parse’s theory provides a detailed explanation and understanding of holistic nursing practice that should be observed by all nursing professionals. The nurses can discover various approaches and applications of different activities that can promote and regain the clients’ good health.