Nursing Theory & Chronic Care

Just like any other profession, nurses are guided by a set of practice rules and a body of knowledge known as nursing theory. There are several ways in which these theories come into play when a nurse becomes involved in chronic care.

Systems Theory

• One of the most salient theories in nursing is systems theory, which posits that individuals are part of complex interactions between themselves and the environment. In chronic care situations such as nursing homes, nurses should look at patients not in isolation, but as part of an ever-changing set of circumstances.

Adaptation Theory

• Adaptation is another nursing theory applicable to chronic care. This theory states that individuals have a tendency to adjust to their environment, both in positive and negative circumstances. There is often a significant period of adjustment for elderly or chronically ill patients who enter long-term care.

Developmental Theory

• A third nursing theory used in chronic care is developmental theory, which states that human beings grow in specific, predictable stages. Whether a patient is experiencing the end-of-life stages of a terminal illness or simply entering old age, the more nurses know about the relevant developmental periods, the better quality of care they can offer.