American Nursing Idol Contest

Introduction

This paper focuses on the American Nursing Idol Theory Contest initiated by the finalists at the University of West Georgia in August 2012. The contest involved judges who examined three nursing theories and used: clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness to rate the performance of these theories and their relevance in guiding the nursing practice (Duffy, 2009).

Judge

Dr. Henderson P. Moses is the presiding judge of this contest. He is a distinguished professor of Nursing at the University of West Georgia who has 30 years of experience in teaching nursing theory. He is well conversant with different nursing theories and their significance for the nursing practice, therefore, making him the best judge to oversee the contest.

Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model Theory

Sister Callista Roy is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles. She developed a conceptual model of nursing, the “Adaptation Model”, which was first published in 1970 (Roy, 1991). Roy describes four adaptation modes: physiological (physical mode), self-concept (group identity mode), role function mode, and interdependence mode. The physical mode deals with patients’ physical activities. This mode is essential for patients to adapt to an environment (Lutjens, 1991). The function mode makes an emphasis on positions that patients hold in society. It also explains how individuals relate to one another, how they interact. Finally, the theory shows the development structure of individuals and groups, and the adaptation potential of these groups (Watson, 1985).

According to Roy, these four modes of adaptation are particularly useful for nursing practices. She uses a six-step nursing process in her theory and shows how these steps are applied in the nursing practice. She describes the behaviors of the patients and various stimuli that are affecting these behaviors. She also focuses on how nurses make the patient’s adaptive statements (Friedman, 1992).

Judge’s Overview of Contestants

The judge critically examined the contestants and their perspectives on three theories. Most of the theories presented in the debate were relevant and applicable in the nursing practices, however, some of the theories were more significant than the others, as presented by the contestants. The contestants explained these theories precisely and accurately and provided in-depth explanations of their meaning. However, there were some discrepancies in their explanations, therefore, giving theories different relevance to their application in the nursing practice.

The Winner

Callista Roy’s adaptation model theory won the contest based on the consensus of the judges. Almost all judges explained this theory and recognized its usefulness and relevance to the nursing practice more precisely than the other two theories in the contest.

Summary and Conclusion

This paper describes the American Nursing Idol Theory Contest including the contestants, the process of the contest, and the rationale behind the selection of the winner. Each contestant’s performance was reviewed and rated in order to determine the best performing theory in the contest.

Based on a review of the contestants’ performances, Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model Theory was a winner, because the theory incorporated physiological and sociological aspects that are vital in the patient’s recovery process as well as in the nursing practice. This theory is the right one for every nurse to get equipped with.

References

Duffy, J. R. (2009). Quality caring in nursing: applying theory to clinical practice, education, and leadership. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

Friedman, M. M. (1992). Family nursing: Theory and practice. Norwalk, Conn: Appleton & Lange.

Lutjens, L. R. J. (1991). Callista Roy: An adaptation model. Newbury Park, Calif: Sage Publications.

Roy, C., & Roberts, S. L. (1981). Theory construction in nursing: An adaptation model. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice-Hall.

Watson, J. (1985). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. Boulder, CO: Colorado Associated Press.

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