Significance of NWHT
Although this theory is relevant for all human beings who have experienced trauma, the developer of the theory, Conti-O’Hare, postulates that the NWHT is specifically relevant to nurses and the impact that trauma has on the care they provide to patients. The NWHT states that the coping skills of the nurse directly affect his or her nursing care for the patient and the environment. This idea encompasses both the working and social environments of a coping nurse. The nurse’s “success” is measured by his or her mental health and wellbeing, specifically related to facing prior traumatic events and building coping skills.
Consistency and clarity
According to Fawcett, consistency focuses on both the context and content of the theory. The criteria “requires all elements of the theorist’s work, including the philosophical claims, conceptual model, and theory concepts and propositions, to be congruent” (Fawcett, 2005). The NWHT is congruent in its context and content. The theory is fluid in describing its purpose: to encourage and motivate nurses to cope with their trauma in order to better serve their patients. This is consistent throughout the author’s description. The content is clear and easily applicable and understood.
Adequacy
“No theory should be considered final or absolute, because it is always possible that subsequent studies will yield different findings...thus the aim of evaluation of empirical adequacy is to determine the degree of confidence warranted by the best empirical evidence, rather than to determine the absolute truth of the theory” (Fawcett, 2005). Although there is no concrete empirical evidence at this time, it is believed that the Nurse as a Wounded Healer Theory is supported by similar experiences of health care providers in coping with trauma. “The pragmatic adequacy criterion requires that nurses have a full understanding of the content of the theory as well as the interpersonal and psychomotor skills necessary to apply it” (Fawcett, 2005). The NWHT meets this criteria. Its purpose and utilization is clear from a nursing and health care standpoint. The NWHT can be applied to a range of nursing specialties; in fact, this theory can be applied to anyone experiencing wounds in the broad sense.
Feasibility
“Feasibility is determined by an evaluation of the human and material resources needed to establish the theory-based nursing actions as customary practice, including the time needed to learn and implement protocols for nursing actions” (Fawcett, 2005). The NWHT is feasible for nurses who have or who are experiencing trauma. Although coping skills take time and effort to build and maintain, these skills are also invaluable and necessary to be a successful nurse. The time and protocols necessary to implement the NWHT into nursing practice are achievable and should be a priority for all companies, organizations, and health care systems that employ nurses.
Rationale for using theory
The NWHT was chosen to be our guide in building a resolution for nurse burnout because of its healing nature. The theory encourages nurses to draw on personal experiences, which allows them to be more compassionate and empathetic in their healing of others. Patients draw energy from a nurse’s understanding and kindheartedness, characteristics that can be easily buried when experiencing burnout. Therefore, it is important for nurses to stay mentally and physically strong and to purposefully combat burnout. NWHT recognizes that being wounded is inevitable for all people, even if just for a brief period of time. If nurses can explore their own wounds and use past traumas to build more sympathy, kindness, understanding, and compassion, their patients will benefit and burnout can be avoided. In busy, high-stress units such as the ICU and ED, it is critical for nurses to take time to reflect on their own trauma in order to provide the best care possible for their patients. In these settings, the NWHT can be applied as the primary guide in overcoming and preventing burnout.