Dorothea Orem’s Theory: Self Care Deficit Critic
Kouadio K. Koko BSN, RN
University of Virginia School of Nursing

Dorothea Orem’s Theory: Self Care Deficit Critic
Abstract
Dorothea Orem’s self-care theory of nursing is one of the major nursing theories. It pays particular attention to the role of the patient in their own rehabilitation, as it expounds the benefits of self-care. Orem’s theory is well documented and has been used by several researchers as a basis for their research. This particular theory of nursing is broad and can be applied to the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention. Many nursing schools have used this theory as a benchmark or guide in their curriculum development.

Introduction

The following is a critical review of Dorothea Orem’s self-care theory of nursing; in which she advocates for a patient centered approach to nursing where the patient takes an active role in their own rehabilitation. This critical review takes a look at the purpose of the self-care theory, major concepts and definitions, its assumptions, its strengths and its weaknesses.

The information provided in this report could be of benefit to a recently enrolled nursing student or any individual who wants to have a broader concept of one of the major nursing theories.

Brief Summary of Theory
Orem’s self-care theory of nursing basically surmises that the main purpose of the nurse is to facilitate the patient’s recovery; by helping the patients get to a point where they can help themselves. The self-care theory adopts the position that a healthy person is capable of taking care of themselves, therefore to get a sick person healthy; a nurse needs to help them to get to that state where they can administer self-care. It is the nurse’s responsibility to assess the patient’s ability to provide self-care. “Orem's Self Care Theory examines how people or communities can