Nursing theory and philosophies have been a major topic of conversation this semester. For the scholarly paper assignment in NURS 1001 – The Nursing Profession in Today’s Society, I was asked to pick a nursing theory that resonated with me. I chose Evelyn Adam’s theory. In summary, Adam’s theory viewed nursing as a helping process. She explained that a nurse’s role complements a patient’s abilities instead of performing tasks they could be doing themselves. Focusing on helping a patient adapt to their circumstances, eventually removes the need for a nurse as the patient’s independence is restored. Nurses should teach patients how to utilize their strengths to become as self-sufficient as possible.

Since becoming a healthcare professional in 2018, it was always stressed to me that I should be promoting independence amongst my patients. When working as a community PSW, I visited patients in their homes, assisting them with activities of daily living (ADLs). This would include showering, getting dressed, toileting, and sometimes eating. I was taught that it was important to learn what each patient could do for themselves, and encourage them to complete tasks as independently as possible. This is why Adam’s theory resonated with me so much. Over the years, I have seen how nurses who center patient interactions around promoting independence subsequently improve the patient’s dignity.