Abstract

How can nursing theories be used in the real world to address and combat the sequelae of the pandemic? Nurses have particularly suffered being continuously on the front line of exhausting and often heart breaking care of those with COVID-19. Resilience is understood as the psychological, physical, and spiritual capacity to cope with and integrate experiences of trauma and loss over time. The work of J.L. Griffith, The Hope Module (2017) can be compared and integrated with the nursing theory, Intentionality: the Matrix for Healing (IMH) (Zahourek, R.P. 2020) to foster interventions for recovery and healing from trauma. Intentionality is defined as the capacity for intention, actions and healing. Healing and change are dependent on intentionality. All individuals possess intentionality which is a dynamically differentiating matrix and capacity. It differentiates as the individual is in mutual process with the environment which includes others, events and the self. This differentiation includes meeting basic needs, practicing solutions and developing skills and finally an evolved self. Both the dynamic differentiation of intentionality and developing resilience are processes that depend on an evolving self-awareness, an appreciation for and integration of experiences, making meaning of experiences and sometimes a transformative spiritual awakening. Both processes imply that relationships with others as well as the self are crucial. Using these theoretical frameworks may help nurses, students, faculty and others suffering from the stressors of the pandemic to understand the nature and impact of trauma and to devise interventions that foster integration, making meaning of life experiences and subsequently counter post-traumatic stress and/or depression. How can we use our nursing theories in practice and education? Is there a value in comparing our theories with others in enhancing our understanding of phenomena and creating interventions?

Author Details

Rothlyn (Rorry) P. Zahourek, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC, FAAN is a retired advanced practice psych-mental health CNS. She has been researching the concept of intentionality in the context of healing for more than 20 years. She has developed a theory Intentionality: The Matrix of Healing.

Sigma Membership

Beta Zeta at-Large

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Grounded Theory

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Intentionality, Resilience, Intentionality: The Matrix of Healing

Conference Name

Contemporary Applications of Imogene King's Work and Related Theories Conference

Conference Host

KING International Nursing Group

Conference Location

Virtual Event

Conference Year

2021

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Self-submission

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Applying a nursing theory to a theory of resilience to foster healing and recovery post-pandemic

Virtual Event

How can nursing theories be used in the real world to address and combat the sequelae of the pandemic? Nurses have particularly suffered being continuously on the front line of exhausting and often heart breaking care of those with COVID-19. Resilience is understood as the psychological, physical, and spiritual capacity to cope with and integrate experiences of trauma and loss over time. The work of J.L. Griffith, The Hope Module (2017) can be compared and integrated with the nursing theory, Intentionality: the Matrix for Healing (IMH) (Zahourek, R.P. 2020) to foster interventions for recovery and healing from trauma. Intentionality is defined as the capacity for intention, actions and healing. Healing and change are dependent on intentionality. All individuals possess intentionality which is a dynamically differentiating matrix and capacity. It differentiates as the individual is in mutual process with the environment which includes others, events and the self. This differentiation includes meeting basic needs, practicing solutions and developing skills and finally an evolved self. Both the dynamic differentiation of intentionality and developing resilience are processes that depend on an evolving self-awareness, an appreciation for and integration of experiences, making meaning of experiences and sometimes a transformative spiritual awakening. Both processes imply that relationships with others as well as the self are crucial. Using these theoretical frameworks may help nurses, students, faculty and others suffering from the stressors of the pandemic to understand the nature and impact of trauma and to devise interventions that foster integration, making meaning of life experiences and subsequently counter post-traumatic stress and/or depression. How can we use our nursing theories in practice and education? Is there a value in comparing our theories with others in enhancing our understanding of phenomena and creating interventions?