Associate what you have learned about the theories to this case study. Comparison nursing theories, nursing practice example( nursing experience in which might have applied a particular theory)
References
McEwen,M., & wills,E.M(2014)Theoretical basis for nursing(4th ed)
Natalie Kazakova- Russian immigrant, recently graduated with Master’s degree in nursing. Originally having bachelor’s in engineering back home. She now works at a local community hospital in the ICU. A few weeks after orientation and end her new place of employment. Natalie finds herself questioning her choice to become a nurse. She finds hard to going to work because she’s feeling insecure and self-doubt. Also, meets Susan and Pam two nurses ten years of experiences but only have AND degree.
Pam “I thought you had a master degree. Why don’t you know anything”?
Susan “what did you learn at the university, anyway”?
Role Theory: Role Behavior
As a new graduate and new nurse, Natalie needs to negotiate appropriate role behaviors with patients, coworkers, and medical staff (P.286). Role strain or stress including role incongruity (p.287), can occur when the individual’s expectations (her view of the caring role of the nurse) Conflicts with the requirements to learn to manage complicated equipment and medications.
Conflict Theory
As noted in the text, conflicts are often grounded in issues of power/authority and dominations/subjugation (p.289). The two nurse colleagues are struggling to hold on to their position of power related to their experience because they are probably threatened by Natalie’s advanced degree.
Social Exchange Theory
(Individualistic social exchange, p. 280)
Natalie has noted that reciprocity is lacking in her relationships with the two experienced ADN nurses. As a result, she feels like resigning (withdrawing from the situation).
Natalie discusses this issue with one of her professors. Her professor offers the following recommendations:
1. Don’t do anything at this point. This is normal behavior for other nurses dealing with a novice. Time will prove your readiness.
2. Review the conflict and try to think of the other experienced nurses’ perspective. Again, time will prove your readiness.
3. Speak up now and remind the other nurses that you are a brand new RN and will have a learning period.
Reflect on which option you think would be best for you. Then click on the review button below to see why Natalie’s professor offered the options she did
Natalie recognizes the issues of role behavior and role incongruity (p.287) and seeks out one of her professors to discuss these. The professor reminds her that this is a normal process and that she needs to give herself some time to learn her position (the professor might refer her to Benner’s Novice to expert, discussed in a later chapter). She tells her that as she becomes more comfortable with the technical requirements of her position, she will find she is able to again put the caring aspect of nursing in the forefront.
As a Natalie reviewed her information of conflict (p.289) and individualistic social exchange framework (P.280), as well as recognizing that the other nurses were struggling to maintain their own power (and self-concept), she was able to change her approach. She praised the other nurses for their knowledge and experiences. She remained humble and quiet as she gained more experience and knowledge. She quietly reminded them that, despite her degree, she was still a new RN and so she appreciated having knowledgeable nurses like them around. She hoped that this would make them feel less threatened.