The Conservation Model: A Grand Nursing Theory Based on Four Conservation Principles

Theory Overview

The Conservation Model, developed by Myra Estrin Levine, is a grand nursing theory that aims to promote adaptation and maintain wholeness by utilizing the principles of conservation. This model emphasizes the significance of conserving energy and preserving integrity in various aspects of an individual’s life. It focuses on the influences and responses at the organismic level, recognizing the unique needs and characteristics of each patient.

Four Conservation Principles

1. Conservation of Energy

   This principle emphasizes the balance between energy input and output to prevent excessive fatigue. It involves ensuring adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise to maintain the patient’s energy levels.

2. Conservation of Structural Integrity

   This principle focuses on maintaining or restoring the physical body’s structural integrity. It includes preventing physical breakdown, promoting healing, and preserving the patient’s physical boundaries to protect against harmful agents.

3. Conservation of Personal Integrity

   This principle recognizes the patient as an individual with a sense of identity, self-worth, and self-esteem. Nursing interventions aim to preserve and enhance the patient’s personal integrity, respecting their autonomy, decision-making abilities, and unique experiences.

4. Conservation of Social Integrity

   This principle acknowledges the patient’s social context, including their family, community, religious or ethnic group, political system, and nation. Nursing interventions consider the patient’s social interactions and relationships to maintain their sense of belonging and social well-being.

Assumptions of the Theory

1. The nurse creates an environment conducive to healing and recovery.
2. Human beings are complex individuals, more than the sum of their parts.
3. Human beings respond predictably to certain stimuli and situations.
4. Human beings are unique in their responses, influenced by their individual circumstances and characteristics.
5. Human beings possess the ability to know, appraise, sense, reflect, reason, and understand their surroundings.
6. Human beings’ actions are self-determined, even when influenced by emotions.
7. Human beings can prolong reflection and engage in critical thinking through strategies like asking questions.

The Conservation Model guides nurses in providing holistic care that promotes adaptation, maintains wholeness, and respects the patient’s individuality and social context. By adhering to the four conservation principles, nurses can effectively address the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life.

FAQs

What is the Conservation Model in nursing?

The Conservation Model is a grand nursing theory developed by Myra Estrin Levine that aims to promote adaptation and maintain wholeness by utilizing four conservation principles.

What are the four conservation principles in Levine’s theory?

The four conservation principles are:

1. Conservation of Energy
2. Conservation of Structural Integrity
3. Conservation of Personal Integrity
4. Conservation of Social Integrity

How does the Conservation Model guide nursing practice?

The Conservation Model guides nurses in providing holistic care that focuses on the influences and responses at the organismic level. Nurses strive to conserve energy, maintain structural integrity, preserve personal integrity, and promote social integrity to optimize patient outcomes.

What are the assumptions of the Conservation Model?

The assumptions of the Conservation Model include:

• The nurse creates an environment conducive to healing.
• Human beings are complex individuals, more than the sum of their parts.
• Human beings respond predictably to certain stimuli and situations.
• Human beings are unique in their responses, influenced by their individual circumstances and characteristics.

How does the Conservation Model address the patient’s individuality?

The Conservation Model recognizes the patient’s uniqueness and individuality. Nursing interventions are tailored to the patient’s specific needs, preferences, and circumstances, promoting patient-centered care.

How does the Conservation Model promote adaptation and wholeness?

The Conservation Model emphasizes the importance of adaptation and wholeness in maintaining the patient’s well-being. Nurses focus on interventions that facilitate the patient’s adaptation to stressors and promote their overall health and quality of life.

How does the Conservation Model contribute to nursing research?

The Conservation Model provides a framework for nursing research, guiding studies that explore the concepts of energy conservation, structural integrity, personal integrity, and social integrity in various healthcare settings and populations.