The healthcare industry is vast and complex, with numerous healthcare professionals working together to deliver quality care to patients. Among these professionals, nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery, providing care and support to patients across a variety of healthcare settings. To provide the best possible care to patients, nurses must be knowledgeable about various theories and frameworks that inform nursing practice. One such framework is the human needs theory, which serves as a foundation for professional nursing practice.
The human needs theory was first proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943 and has since become a fundamental framework in healthcare practice. The theory suggests that individuals have several basic needs that must be met for them to live a healthy, fulfilling life. These needs are arranged in a hierarchy beginning with the need for food, water, and shelter, followed by the need for safety and security, and then love and self-esteem, with personal fulfillment and self-actualization completing the framework. The human needs theory is essential to nursing practice as it guides nurses in providing holistic, patient-centered care that addresses the needs of patients at every stage of their recovery. This article explores the human needs theory in-depth, how it is used as a basis for professional nursing practice, and its implications for healthcare delivery.
Physiological needs
Physiological needs are the most basic and fundamental of all human needs. They are related to survival and the maintenance of life. Physiological needs include the need for food, water, air, and shelter. These needs are crucial for the proper functioning of the body, and a lack of any of them can lead to serious health problems.
In nursing practice, the fulfillment of physiological needs is the top priority. Nurses must ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition, hydration, and ventilation. They must also ensure that patients are comfortable and safe in their physical environment. For example, nurses must monitor the temperature and humidity of patient rooms to ensure that they are suitable for recovery.
In addition to providing necessities such as food, water and shelter, nurses must also ensure that patients are receiving appropriate medical care to meet their physiological needs. This may include monitoring vital signs, administering medication, providing wound care, and managing pain. Nurses must also be aware of the impact that certain medical conditions may have on a patient’s ability to meet their physiological needs. For example, patients with diabetes may require specialized diets and medication to manage their blood sugar levels, while patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may require oxygen therapy to assist their breathing.
Safety needs
Safety needs refer to the need for security and protection from harm. These needs are essential for maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing. Safety needs include protection from physical, emotional and financial harm. When individuals feel safe, they are more likely to engage in activities that promote their overall wellbeing.
Nurses are responsible for ensuring that patients are safe and secure in their physical environment. They must also ensure that patients are protected from harm caused by medical treatment. For example, nurses must monitor patients for adverse reactions to medication and address these promptly.
Social needs
Social needs refer to the need for social interaction and relationships. These needs are essential for emotional wellbeing and the development of a sense of belonging. Social needs include the need for companionship, love and friendship. When individuals have meaningful social relationships, they are more likely to experience happiness and satisfaction in life.
Nurses can help meet this need by ensuring that patients have opportunities to interact with others and maintain social relationships, especially during long-term or palliative care. They should also provide emotional support and encourage patients to communicate their feelings. For example, nurses need to facilitate communication between patients and their families and provide emotional support to patients who are experiencing emotional distress.
One of the best ways for nurses to improve their ability to provide emotional support is via increased education. The ideal nursing student will learn how to manage not only the physical needs of patients but their social needs as well. Online degrees, like those offered by Baylor, provide an excellent option for students with existing commitments to pursue studies by allowing students to arrange their own schedules, and certain ASBN courses teach students the importance of enhancing the nurse-patient relationship.
Esteem needs
The need for self-esteem and self-respect are essential to psychological wellbeing and the development of a positive self-image. Individuals that feel good about themselves are more likely to participate in activities that promote their overall wellbeing.
Nurses can help address this need by providing patients with the respect and recognition they deserve. They can also encourage patients to set goals, especially regarding their recovery, and help them to achieve them in addition to providing encouragement and support throughout the process.
Self-actualization needs
Referring to the need for personal growth and fulfillment, self-actualization is essential to the development of a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Self-actualization needs include the need for creativity, personal growth and the realization of one’s potential. When individuals achieve self-actualization, they experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
Nurses can encourage patients to pursue personal growth and development. They can also provide opportunities for patients to explore their interests and develop their talents. This can be achieved by providing patients with books, music, and other resources to help them achieve their personal goals.
Conclusion
The human needs theory is an essential framework that guides professional nursing practice. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the needs that are essential for human survival and development. By addressing these needs, nurses can promote the overall wellbeing of their patients and improve healthcare outcomes. The five subsections discussed in this article, including physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualization needs, illustrate how the human needs theory is applied in nursing practice.
As healthcare delivery continues to evolve, nurses must remain knowledgeable about the human needs theory and its implications for healthcare practice. By understanding the human needs theory, nurses can provide holistic, patient-centered care that promotes the overall wellbeing of their patients. In conclusion, the human needs theory serves as a crucial basis for professional nursing practice and has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
