Today, clinical practice standards are affected by institutional requirements, which are designed to produce positive sentiment among potential patients. There is no doubt that social decorum and soft skills have a place in holistic care. However, in the acute setting these pleasantries may need to be put aside during critical situations. Nursing teaches theories from other disciplines, which ethically supersede institutional criteria. One such non-nursing theory is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Maslow’s hierarchy is a conceptualization of the needs of people through psychological analysis (Karnatovskaia, Gajic, Bienvenu, Stevenson, & Needham, 2015). Maslow’s hierarchy can be used as a framework for clinical decision making. Starting with the highest priority, Maslow’s hierarchy is composed of: physiological needs, safety, belonging and love, esteem, and self-actualization (Karnatovskaia, Gajic, Bienvenu, Stevenson, & Needham, 2015). These are each addressed by health care professionals and are regularly fulfilled.
For example, by realizing that physiological needs are paramount, nurses can prioritize patient rosters by acuity. By understanding that esteem is important to individuals, nurses are able to maintain dignity and respect. In reality, the choices made by individuals directly affect their health. These choices highlight the importance of observing Maslow’s theory, when considering care plan development, and interdisciplinary coordination.
Further, Maslow’s hierarchy can be used as an augmentation of existing management styles (Soni & Soni, 2016). By observing the Maslow pyramid, management can fortify the ethical guidelines required in the healthcare profession. For example, management can recognize and institute emphasis on physiological necessity and safety above other categories that are subject to perception. This provides a more complete depiction of entire interactions.
Future nurse practitioners have the ability to use Maslow’s hierarchy clinically. For instance, in an acute situation, deduction based on Maslow’s hierarchy can become algorithm like experience-based interventions. Unfortunately, the trend in healthcare seems to be more focused on customer service style training over the acquisition of clinical skills.
References
Karnatovskaia, L. V., Gajic, O., Bienvenu, O. J., Stevenson, J. E., & Needham, D. M. (2015). A holistic approach to the critically ill and Maslow’s hierarchy. Journal Of Critical Care, 30(1), 210-211. doi:10.1016/j.jcrc.2014.09.003
Soni, B., & Soni, R. (2016). Enhancing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for Effective Leadership. Competition Forum, 14(2), 259-263.