Topic Summary
Myra Estrin Levine presented the Conservation Model related to nursing. Her theory was based on the theory of the practice of conservation. Levine believed that the function of a nurse was a group of activities that came together as a whole to function for the wellbeing of the patient.
She presented four goals to the Theory of Conservation. The first goal was the conservation of energy. This meant that the nurse had to work to improve the physiological and psychological state of the patient, for it was through the process of ‘life’ that the body energy would be built. The nurse’s first goal was then, to help the patient adjust to the hospital, provide the patient with nutrition and medicine to improve his health and then create an environment where his sense of well being was maintained.
The second goal was given as the conservation of structural integrity. With illness and aging emerge changes to the body. There are physical changes that have to be controlled and maintained at as much equilibrium as possible. Like preventing infection, keeping the skin clean and helping to keep the overall hygiene.
The third goal was the conservation of personal integrity. This meant that if the self-esteem of the patient was good he would feel better and this could be done through helping the patient understand the illness and engaging him to improve his self-esteem. (Levine, 1996)
The fourth and final goal was the conservation of social integrity. Human beings are social animals and if the patients social life was kept upbeat through conversation with the staff, family and other patients the patient’s state of mind would be stronger and better adjusted to deal with the illness.
Nursing Theory: Myra Estrin Levine’s ‘Theory of Conservation’
Introduction
There have been various nursing theories presented over the years that help nurse practitioners deal with the daily problems in the workplace. (Fawcett, 2005) Some theories can be used independently while others can be used in coordination with the theories presented by others to create viable solutions. Nurses are confronted daily with acute and chronic illness cases and must work to help the individual patients, the hospital environment and the families to come together in a manner that is as painless as possible.
In this paper I have chosen to present Myra Estrin Levine’s nursing theory in order to prove that this Theory of Conservation is one that encompasses the various segments of nursing, its functions and goals and creates a working solution that is applicable to acute and chronic illness cases. Levine’s theory can be used independent of any other theory and create a coordinated work dynamic that is useable in any work environment.
The four goals of Levine’s ‘Theory of Conservation’ work to create formula that is flexible and workable and hence, in a changing work environment where nurse practitioners are being challenged in every way, it proves helpful to have goals that are so clear in their focus.
Analysis:
The Role of the Nurse Practitioner
The nursing environment faces a number of challenges throughout the world. Nurse practitioners work to gear themselves to make the lives of patients better, while maintaining hospital decorum, and working with the doctors to give them a clear picture of the health and state of well being of the patient as a whole. (Schaefer & Pond, 1994)
The job of a nurse is not limited to the care of the physical aspects of the illness but rather the mental, spiritual and social aspects as well. The nurse is the primary caretaker of patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other environments whether they are of chronic or acute nature. A nurse must understand his or her role in order to be effective.
Levine’s Nursing Theory and the role of the Nurse
Levine presented the Theory of Conservation and worked to merely outline in clear terms the role of the nurse from the first stage to the last stage of the patients stay at the hospital. The first stage emerged as the Conservation of Energy. When a patient enters the hospital environment it’s a shock to the senses for him. The patient has to face the fact that he or she is ill, will be in a strange environment for an unknown length of time, will be in pain and will be at the mercy of the caretakers in every way. It’s a feeling of helplessness most people dread; it’s a loss of control. So the first step is to make the patient comfortable. The environment should be comfortable; the patient should be welcomed in a manner that makes him feel less fearful. Making the patient psychologically and physiologically comfortable through the application of proper medication and provision of nutrition that strengthens the body.
Once the first goal is achieved the three other goals should be tackled simultaneously. No matter what the nature of the problem is the nurse should strive to cater to the patient in one way. Research has shown that if the mind is well the body heals faster. Levine’s theory works to help both the mind and body. Psychologically a patient is under pressure from his own self. Working to create his sense of well being will help heal his body. Building up his self-esteem, his spirit and his physical weakness will give new meaning to the patient and make him strive to get better.
Application of the Theory of Conservation and Patients with Chronic Diseases
Chronic patients with degenerative diseases, respiratory illnesses and other such problems have to be motivated. Alzheimer’s, Asthma, being HIV positive and COPD are just a few of the many chronic problems patients face and while they are not immediately fatal, they can bring the emotional and physical state of the patient to a low point. The patients have to be taught to live life on a day to day basis. To remain social and to accept their short comings and see beyond them through the goal of physical, spiritual and structural well being they have to learn to live with their illnesses in the best possible manner and that is what Levine aims to teach the nurses. She aims through her Theory of Conservation to help nurse understand their role in teaching chronic patients the effects of their illnesses and how to overcome them.
Conclusion:
The Theory of Conservation does not have one dimension rather it is multi-dimensioned having the effect of helping patients with any symptom, disease or illness. Myra Levine believes in the liberal form of education where nurses are taught to look beyond the routine dimensions of their work. They have to learn to realize the impact they have on another person’s life and with that understanding they have to create a spiritual and social setting that works to settle and harmonize the patients mind and environment. “…And therein lies the true wonder of a liberally educated nurse: that in experiencing the joy and exaltation of discovering the self, there is stored the compassion and wisdom that can be readily shared with others.” (Levine, 1999)
References
1. Fawcett, J (2005) Contemporary Nursing Knowledge: Analysis and Evaluation of Nursing Models and Theories. 2nd edition. F.A. Davis. ref Chapter 6: Levine’s Conservation Model
2. Levine, ME. (1996, Spring). The conservation principles: a retrospective. Nursing Science Quarterly. 9(1):38-41,
3. Schaefer, KM & Pond JB. (1994, Summer). Levine’s conservation model as a guide to nursing practice. Nursing Science Quarterly. 7(2):53-4.
4. Levine, M. (1999, March) On the Humanities in Nursing. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research 30(4): 213-217.