Imogene King's Nursing Theory Overview

Study Notes

Focuses on the importance of human beings interacting with their environment to achieve health.
Health is defined as the ability to function in social roles.
King's theory is based on the idea that individuals are open systems in transaction with their environment.
Nursing is a process of interpersonal interaction and transaction.
Nurses should use their knowledge and skills to help individuals achieve their goals.

Graduated from St. John's Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri with a Diploma in Nursing in 1945.
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from St. Louis University in 1948.
Completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from St. Louis University in 1957.
Received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City in 1961.
Holds a variety of positions: Staff nurse, educator, researcher, administrator, research consultant, and professor.

Goal attainment: individuals are in constant interaction with their environment, striving to achieve their goals.
Perception: Humans perceive their environment and make decisions based on their perceptions.
Communication: Humans communicate with the environment to meet their needs.
Transaction: Humans are engaged in an ongoing process of interaction and transaction with the environment.
Self-concept: Individuals have the capacity to think, know, and make choices.
Personal system: Individuals are open systems in constant interaction with their environment.
Interpersonal system: Individuals communicate and interact with others in their environment.
Social System: Individuals are part of a social system and interact with others within that system.

Individuals have the capacity to learn, grow, and adapt.
Individuals are unique and have intrinsic worth.
Individuals are capable of rational thinking and decision-making.
Individuals have a right to self-determination.
Nurses are responsible for helping individuals achieve their goals.
Nurses should respect the individual's personal space and boundaries.
Nurses should be culturally competent and sensitive to the individual's cultural beliefs and values.
Nurses should be aware of the individual's spiritual beliefs and values.

Assess the individual's needs, goals, and perceptions.
Develop a plan of care that is individualized to the individual's needs and goals.
Implement the plan of care in a way that promotes communication and collaboration between the nurse and the individual.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care and make adjustments as needed."