Nursing theory comparison paper (Rough Draft) Health Research Paper

Comparison of AACN Synergy Model of Patient Care and Virginia Henderson's Nursing Need Theory
Name:
Instructor:
Institution:
Date:
Introduction
In nursing, the examination of knowledge and application of that knowledge is achieved using theories. In this case, a theory is a set of definitions, relationships, assumptions, and concepts formulated based on nursing models and related disciplines. Among the numerous theories that healthcare providers apply in clinical settings is the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care and Virginia Henderson's Nursing Need Theory. The AACN Synergy Model aligns the patient's needs to nurse competencies. Since its formulation, the AACN Synergy Model has acted as the basis of nurse certification and as guidance of achieving an optimal outcome.
On the other hand, the Nursing Need Theory focuses on how patients' independence can be increased. As a result, the theory argues that nurses must care for their patients until they can care for themselves. Despite achieving a common goal, the Synergy Model and the Nursing Need Theory are based on different concepts and assumptions. This paper compares the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care and Virginia Henderson's Nursing Need Theory by examining their background, main concepts, philosophical underpinnings, clinical application, and parsimony.
Background of the Theories
The Nursing Need Theory was developed based on Virginia Henderson's education and experience as a nurse and teacher at the Norfolk Protestant Hospital in Virginia and Columbia University. The events of World War one prompted Henderson to examine basic nursing care that centers on patient independence. As a result, she defined nurse responsibilities as substitutive (performing for the patient), supplementary (assisting the patient), complimentary (working with the patient), and to enable the patient to become independent. While defining these roles, the Henderson's goal was not to formulate a theory. The definition lacked theoretical statements that facilitate testability. However, her focus on patients' needs as nurses' responsibility led to extra exploration that resulted in the Nursing Need Theory. The theory focuses on how patients' independence and promotes their progress while in the hospitals and after being discharged (McEwen and Wills, 2017). The Nursing Need Theory has been very influential in healthcare. It is universally acclaimed that what Henderson did for nursing in 20th century is similar to what Nightingale accomplished for 19th-century nursing.
On the other hand, the Synergy Model for Patient Care was formulated by a team of experts representing the American Associations of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The model provides a patient-centered framework that focuses on patient needs, nurse competencies, and the synergy established when needs and competencies align. Initially, the purpose of the Synergy Model was to establish a theoretical structure for licensed practice. However, it became clear that treatment methods are more effective if selected based on patients' needs. As a result, the Synergy Model adopted a large scope and later defined nursing through higher-level characteristics and competencies rather than through a set of tasks and responsibilities. To...