Human Behavior is like Water: Nursing Theory Model
Symbolism of Water
The picture above is a photo I took of Tennessee’s Ocoee River in autumn. It stands as a good metaphorical representation of the Barker’s Tidal Theory. The central theme of this theory is that natural human behavior and experience, with its’ unpredictability and periods of chaos, can be compared to the flow and power of water. Barker stated that the internal and external universe of a person are very complex and also within and beyond the person at the same time. This means that changes in an individuals’ environment whether internal or external can be nonlinear and produce unpredictable changes in ones’ life. Evidence of environmental change is reflected in a person as the color of the autumn leaves are reflected in the river water. Knowing this, it is the healthcare providers responsibility to recognizing these changes or ‘variations’ in the individual, realize that change is constant and assist the person in learning to cope with the changes.
Applying this Approach
In order to take this approach, there are essential values to consider known as The Ten Commitments.
1. Value the voice: The person is the authority of his own story. Listen to gain insight.
2. Respect the language: The person has his own unique form of expression.
3. Develop genuine curiosity: Show true interest in his story.
4. Become an apprentice: Realize that you are learning from him not vice versa.
5. Reveal personal wisdom: Assist the person in discovering his own wisdom in dealing with situations.
6. Be transparent: Go into partnership with each other-provider and client.
7. Use the available toolkit: The person’s story contains important keys to successful coping.
8. Craft the step beyond: Both parties work together to prioritize what needs to be done and when.
9. Give your time: The most important thing to gaining progress is devoted time.
10. Know that change is constant: Change is a part of life and the one thing we all have in common. The key for the professional is to provide awareness for the change and its effects on the person and what needs to be done to avoid negative consequences and recover balance.
Nursings Theories that Mold Practice
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© 2012 Shawn Holmes