Dorothea Orem facts for kids
Dorothea Elizabeth Orem (born June 15, 1914 – died June 22, 2007) was an important nursing theorist. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Orem created a special idea called the self-care deficit nursing theory. This idea is also known as the Orem model of nursing.
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Her Education Journey
Dorothea Orem started her nursing education at Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, DC. There, she earned a nursing diploma.
She continued her studies at Catholic University of America. In 1939, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education. Later, in 1945, she received a Master of Science in Nursing Education.
Orem also received special honorary doctoral degrees. These were from Georgetown University, Incarnate Word College, and Illinois Wesleyan University. An honorary degree is a special award given to someone for their achievements.
What is Self-Care Theory?
Orem's nursing theory focuses on "self-care." Self-care means the activities people do for themselves to stay healthy and well. This includes things like eating well, exercising, and managing illnesses.
Her theory says that self-care is a basic human need. Nurses use this idea to help people. They design ways to support patients in doing their own self-care. This helps people get better or stay healthy.
Understanding Nursing Diagnosis
Dorothea Orem was part of a group of nurses who worked on "nursing diagnosis." In 1982, this group presented an idea called Patterns of Unitary Man (Humans).
This idea helped create the first plan for nursing diagnosis. A nursing diagnosis is how nurses describe a patient's health problems. It helps nurses plan the best care for each person. This work was presented to the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association.
Awards and Recognition
Dorothea Orem received an important award in 1980. She got the Alumni Achievement Award for Nursing Theory. This award was from Catholic University of America.
Later Life and Legacy
Dorothea Orem passed away on June 22, 2007. She was 92 years old. She died in Savannah, Georgia.
Orem had lived in Savannah for 25 years. During that time, she worked as a consultant and author. Her ideas continue to influence nursing education and practice around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Dorothea Orem para niños
