Erickson, Tomlin And Swain's Modeling, Role Model Theory

The Modeling, Role Model theory proposed by Erickson, Tomlin, and Swain (Anonymous, 2013) contains several concepts that I use to guide my nursing practice. The view of the patient as a holistic person, the hierarchy that patient’s needs follow in order to be fulfilled, the patient’s self-care knowledge, and the acceptance of the patient’s reality are some of the concepts I incorporate into my practice. These concepts help me to fulfill my role and nurture, facilitate care and provide my patients with unconditional acceptance. According to Hertz (1997) the Modeling, Role Model theory is “a grand theory encompassing numerous mid-range theories.” This theory does incorporate portions of several other theories in its framework, such as

This portion of the theory incorporates Maslow’s hierarchy of needs which states “A prepotent need is the one that has the greatest power or influence over our actions. Maslow claimed that everyone has a prepotent need, but the need will differ among individuals…the prepotent need is the lowest unmet need in the pyramid” (Griffin, 2008, p. 127). This is to say that lower, basic needs, such as shelter, food and water have to be met before an individual can focus on higher needs such as love, self-esteem or self-actualization. This concept is supported in nursing practice quite frequently, for example, patients whose main concern is constipation in the face of newly diagnosed heart failure. It is extremely difficult for a patient to ponder life style changes when they have not been able to have a bowel movement for four days. I have also witnessed patients leave against medical advice and deny treatment because the patient felt the physical need to take illicit drugs. Patient’s basic needs must be met before they are able to process information, learn, or to make wise decisions concerning their healthcare. This portion of the Modeling, Role Model theory guides me to be a facilitator for my patient and help guide them to the resources they need to meet basic needs, so they can then focus on obtaining the highest quality of life possible for

Because of this, I see a lot of alternative lifestyles, poverty, and drug abuse. The model portion of the Modeling, Role Model theory states “is the process by which the nurse seeks to know and understand the patient’s personal model of his or her own world, as well as learns to appreciate its value and significance” (Anonymous, 2013). The Role Modeling portion of the Modeling, Role Model theory is the “Process by which the nurse facilitates and nurtures the individual in attaining, maintaining, and promoting health. It accepts the patient as he or she is unconditionally and allows the planning of unique interventions” (Anonymous, 2013). In order for me to attain the trust of my patients, they have to believe that I am not passing judgment on them and that I will advocate for them to receive the best care possible regardless of their lifestyle or socioeconomic level. For example, my patients have to trust me enough to admit to me when they have taken certain drugs, so that I do not administer a test that could cause a fatal heart arrhythmia. This portion of the Modeling, Role Model theory is one of the most vital and at the same time, most challenging part of this