Theory of the Incarnation with a case study (2023)

Rosemarie Rizzo Parse is a well-known nursing theorist and researcher who has made significant contributions to nursing. Her Human Becoming Theory, also known as Theory of Human Becoming, is a holistic andperson-centric approachon Nursing, which emphasizes the unique experiences of each patient and the importance of empowering patients to be involved in their own care. This article provides an overview of thetheory of the incarnation, its key components and its practical applications in nursing practice.

The Key Components of the Human Becoming Theory

The Human Becoming Theory is a holistic and person-centred approach to care that emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the unique experiences of each patient. The theory is based on four key components:

• phenomenology
• subject-subject interaction
• Spirit, charity and transcendence
• Pattern, process and rhythm.

Phenomenology is the study ofhuman experiencesand the subjective meaning that individuals attach to these experiences. In nursing, this component of Human Becoming Theory emphasizes the importance of understanding each patient's unique experiences and the meaning they place on those experiences.

The subject-subject interaction refers to the dynamic relationship between the caregiver and the patient, in which both persons are active participants in the caregiving process. This theory component emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship between the nurse and the patientPromote patient autonomyand empower patients to participate in their care.

Spirit, charity and transcendence refer to the spiritual dimension of care. This component recognizes that patients have a spiritual dimension to their lives and recognizes the importance of incorporating spirituality into care.

Pattern, process and rhythm relate to the cyclical and dynamic nature of human existence. This theory component emphasizes the importance of understanding the patterns, processes and rhythms of human life in order to provide holistic and patient-centred care.

Incarnation theory in nursing practice

Human Becoming Theory is applied in nursing practice in a number of ways, including: emphasizing the person-centered approach, promoting holistic and patient-centered care, incorporating spirituality into care, and nurturingPatient autonomy, and empowering patients to participate in their care.

A. Emphasizing the person-centred approach means focusing on each patient's unique experiences and needs, rather than treating patients as a homogenous group. This approach is based on the belief that each patient hasunique experiences, needs and goals and that care should be tailored to those needs.

B. Promoting holistic and patient-centred care involves addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a patient's life to provide comprehensive and integrated care. This approach recognizes that patients are complex individuals and that care should consider all aspects of their lives to promote healing and well-being.

C. Integrating spirituality into nursing involves recognizing theSpiritual Dimensionof human existence and the incorporation of spiritual practices and beliefs into the nursing process. This can include activities such as prayer, meditation, or rituals, but also more general approaches to treatment that address the spiritual needs of the patient.

D. Promoting patient autonomy and empowering patients to participate in their care involves encouraging them to take an active role in their care and making decisions about their health and well-being. This approach is based on the belief that patients are the experts on their own lives and that they should be included in the decision-making process related to their care.

Case Study on the Incarnation Theory

The hospice nurse sat with Ann's husband Ben. Ann rested calmly as the increased dose of IV pain medication gradually reached its therapeutic level. Ben turned his head and slowly turned around, looking out the room's only window. When he looked up, a small flash of light caught his breath. It was a shooting star. A tear fell from the corner of his eye and he turned to Ann. The nurse sensed something important was unfolding for Ann and Ben. He shuffled to Ann's bed and took her small, fragile hand in his. Those hands had rocked cradles, pushed up babies, and tended the horses she loved to ride. Gently he held her hand and turned to the nurse. "She would ride as if the wind were chasing her." Looking back at Ann, his voice cracked; Holding back tears, "Ann, Ann, I saw Jessie... Jessie is calling." She died with an oversized baby. It was a pitch black night when she died. Cold, so cold, the baby died too, a little boy named him Abe, Jr. after Jessie's husband. I took Ann outside to cry to God upstairs and there in that dark sky we saw two shooting stars...together...just falling. We knew it had to be Jessie and Abe... two angels to light up the night.” Ben turned around as a deep sigh escaped Ann's lips. A gentle smile lingered as she joined Jessie and Abe.

• Based on this case study, how would the nurse implement Parse's Theory of the Incarnation?
• What are the characteristics of a person who becomes a nurse? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this nursing theory?
• From the nursing theories we discussed, what additional theory would you apply to this case study? Develop a care plan that incorporates both care theories (be specific and provide reasons)

Updating Parses' theory of the Incarnation based on this case

Parse's theory emphasizes freedom of expression, choice and human dignity. In this case, the nurse should take care of itpsychological supportto Ben. Death is distressing, and as part of patient care, the nurse was tasked with guiding Ben through this difficult moment. This is an example of end-of-life care where the nurses are supportive tools to make the final moments as comfortable as possible for the patient and family.

The theory requires caregivers to respect the preferences and desires of patients and loved ones. The patient is a person with personal preferences about how they want to spend their end of life. Some considerations include a preferred place of death, how patients want the caregiver to control pain and symptoms, life support preferences, psychological support for patients and families, and what tools the patient prefers.

Nurses should see themselves as an integral part of patient care and provide emotional encouragement. The theory takes into account a person's biological, psychological and spiritual elements. Therefore, the caregiver understands that different patients have different needs and recommends an approach that suits their individuality.

The end of life is a challenge for the family, which has to come to terms with reality. The nurse should listen to Ben's words, encourage her and grant her last wishes. Parse advises that nurses should do things with patients, not for patients. The relationship between the nurse and the patient assumes that the patient is in control of his or her life and has set goals that the nurse should help to achieve. Parse's theory is critical in hospice care as it guides nurses on how to interact with dying people and their families.

Characteristics of people who become nurses

Human becoming involves freedom of personal choice of meaning in situations that relate to itlived values. Humanizing nurses should have more compassion and courage to deal with patients who are terminally ill. Death is different for everyone, and these nurses need to be comfortable, compassionate, and brave during these uncertain moments. Caregivers must be sensitive to the individual needs and circumstances of the patient.

Humanizing nurses need flexibility in developing customized plans that meet the unique needs of each patient. In addition, the nursing staff should be able to provide medically oriented and emotionally sound care. These interventions include critical sign review, pain management, medication, and complication reporting. Finally, caregivers also need the flexibility to shift services from extended life to end-of-life care.

Nurses should have the tenacity to live with patients in the moment, respecting their preferences and using a holistic approach to guide them through the gray areas of death. Incarnating nurses should be familiar with the physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors.

Parse's theory offers a transformative approach to all caregivers. It seeks to address problems and allow caregivers to act from the patient's perspective. Parse pedagogy contributes to the lives of nurses and patients. Caregivers can therefore guide patients to achieve a preferred quality of life. The theory shows transparent relationships between principles, areas of practice and assumptions. Parse also presents a clear distinction between nursing and other disciplines. The theory provides valuable information and guidance for nursing practice.

The theory corresponds to individual, professional, and social attributes that help nurses fulfill their expected roles. The main weakness is that Parse's research area has no expansion space. As a result, research methods include results that are difficult to quantify. The theory is also generalized and cannot be applied to specific areas of practice such as acute andemergency rooms. In this case, the theory is especially aimed at beginners.

Similar model to the Human Becoming Theory

The Human Caring Theory affirms our respect for human dignity. The case study is about caring through conscious, authentic presence. Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring applies here. Caregivers are responsible for placing the patient in the best position to promote self-healing of the body and mind.

The theory teaches that nurses should be emotionally sensitive and have a caring attitude and energy, which are fundamental in this case study. Nurses can make a difference in the way they say and do things. Caregivers should be sensitive to the emotions, thoughts and attitudes of patients and loved ones because, according to Watson, a person can only be treated as a whole. In this case, human care in healthcare is an interpersonal process between the caregiver and the patient.

Justification of nursing interventions

• Inquire about thelevel of fearand other emotional factors in the family. Emotional factors such as fear among family members require intervention before the real problem is resolved. Some members are unable to respond appropriately or deal with the reality of the death of their loved ones.
• Develop a relationship and acknowledgment of this challenging situation towards the family.
• Identify the patient's behavioral and emotional factors that impact addiction.
• Discuss the patient's relationship with the family.
• Determine experience and knowledge in dealing with the situation.
• Ask how the patient and family would like to spend their final moments.

Diploma

The Human Becoming Theory is a holistic and person-centred approach to care that emphasizes the unique experiences and needs of each patient. This theory can potentially improve patient care and nurse-patient relationships by promoting patient autonomy, incorporating spirituality into care, and encouraging a collaborative nurse-patient relationship. However, the theory has limitations and criticisms, including the need for further empirical evidence and for further development and refinement.

Despite these challenges, Human Becoming Theory remains a valuable tool for nursing students and practitioners alike because it provides a framework for understanding the complexities of patient care and promoting holistic and patient-centered care. By continually refining and advancing the theory, nursing practitioners can improve patient care and promote the healing and well-being of all patients.