Clinical Philosophy

    The nursing theory that best describes my clinical philosophy is Orem’s Self Care Deficit Theory (SCDT). The SCDT posits that people should be self-reliant, and responsible for their care, and views nursing as a form of action where the therapeutic relationship aims to assist individuals improve their ability to care for themselves (Petiprin, 2016). Adult Mental Health is one of the departments in my Clinical Risk Consultant portfolio, and I find referring to SCDT provides a framework that is consistent yet individualized when supporting this diverse patient population.

     SCDT respects each patient as an individual and understands that patient’s must take an active role in their treatment and recovery to increase their ability to care for themselves. For example, creating a personal safety plan and utilizing individual coping strategies to work through urges to self-harm may help the patient build self-confidence and progress in their recovery.

  I strongly believe each person should exercise autonomy in their life, and the SCDT creates a framework in which nurses take action to develop this capability through their therapeutic relationships with patients. I think the concept of caring for the self is foundational, and that each individual should practice self-care as a way to protect themselves from the stresses that are inevitable in the human life span.

My understanding of SCDT has been reinforced by my personal and professional interactions with people who inject drugs. In London, Ontario the challenges experienced by people who inject drugs is visible in the downtown core, and along the greenspace trails which I walk daily. I understand people who inject drugs should be encouraged to take small steps to build their capacity to care for themselves by attending safe injection sites, and potentially seeking assistance for their addictions.