PATIENTS
Patients --- our primary focus --- were also studied in regard to how well their needs were met. In a study by Brownie et al. (2012), elderly residents were asked what would make them have 'a good life' in their long-term care facilities, or in Maslow's terms, to be self-actualized, having a purposeful, meaningful life. Results indicated only the lower deficit needs were being met at most facilities, namely: physiological, safety, and (sometimes) belonging. The Eden Alternative was then presented as a model for helping them reach higher levels of fulfillment, using principles that actually helped the residents use less medications.
According to Varcarolis & Halter (2010), there are two main reasons Maslow's model is of value in nursing practice. First, it's emphasis on patient strengths helps foster the nurse-patient relationship, and second, it helps the nurse establish priorities in terms of patient care. For example, "to collect any but the most essential information when a patient is struggling with drug withdrawal is inappropriate [and] ...the nurse meets the patient's physiological need for stable vital signs and pain relief before collecting general information for a nursing database" (Varcarolis & Halter, 2010, p. 40).
Patients --- our primary focus --- were also studied in regard to how well their needs were met. In a study by Brownie et al. (2012), elderly residents were asked what would make them have 'a good life' in their long-term care facilities, or in Maslow's terms, to be self-actualized, having a purposeful, meaningful life. Results indicated only the lower deficit needs were being met at most facilities, namely: physiological, safety, and (sometimes) belonging. The Eden Alternative was then presented as a model for helping them reach higher levels of fulfillment, using principles that actually helped the residents use less medications.
According to Varcarolis & Halter (2010), there are two main reasons Maslow's model is of value in nursing practice. First, it's emphasis on patient strengths helps foster the nurse-patient relationship, and second, it helps the nurse establish priorities in terms of patient care. For example, "to collect any but the most essential information when a patient is struggling with drug withdrawal is inappropriate [and] ...the nurse meets the patient's physiological need for stable vital signs and pain relief before collecting general information for a nursing database" (Varcarolis & Halter, 2010, p. 40).
BOX 5-1. Hierarchy of Needs and Nursing Interventions (Rosdahl & Kowalski, 2008, p. 48)
Nursing actions and Maslow's hierarchy can take many forms. This box gives examples of nursing interventions that can assist a client to meet basic and aesthetic human needs. The hierarchy begins at the bottom and works upward.
SELF-ACTUALIZATION
Acknowledging the accomplishments of the individual.
SELF-ESTEEM
Promoting positive self-image after surgery.
Encouraging an individual's progress in rehabilitation.
LOVE, AFFECTION, and BELONGING
Providing an opportunity for bonding with a new infant.
Allowing the client's family to visit while in the hospital.
Allowing religious leaders & friends to participate in the care of the client.
SECURITY & SAFETY
Checking identification of client prior to administering medication.
Taking defective equipment from a client's environment & reporting the defect.
Monitoring the client's safety while in the shower, ambulating in the hall, or getting in and out of bed.
BASIC PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
Administering oxygen.
Assisting with feeding a client.
Assisting with hygiene and elimination.
Maintaining warmth for a newborn.
Nursing actions and Maslow's hierarchy can take many forms. This box gives examples of nursing interventions that can assist a client to meet basic and aesthetic human needs. The hierarchy begins at the bottom and works upward.
SELF-ACTUALIZATION
Acknowledging the accomplishments of the individual.
SELF-ESTEEM
Promoting positive self-image after surgery.
Encouraging an individual's progress in rehabilitation.
LOVE, AFFECTION, and BELONGING
Providing an opportunity for bonding with a new infant.
Allowing the client's family to visit while in the hospital.
Allowing religious leaders & friends to participate in the care of the client.
SECURITY & SAFETY
Checking identification of client prior to administering medication.
Taking defective equipment from a client's environment & reporting the defect.
Monitoring the client's safety while in the shower, ambulating in the hall, or getting in and out of bed.
BASIC PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
Administering oxygen.
Assisting with feeding a client.
Assisting with hygiene and elimination.
Maintaining warmth for a newborn.