Contributors application of the Adaptation Model to current nursing practice and anticipated practice as masters-prepared nurses

Roys theory centers on physiologic and psychosocial adaptation (McEwen & Wills, 2011). The Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) is well suited for utilization with the pediatric population; children are evolving, developing beings that are greatly influenced by their physical and social environments. In my current practice as a pediatric emergency nurse, I can incorporate the RAM into optimizing and personalizing the care of patients with very varied needs; it is applicable to the care of a critically ill infant as well as to a depressed, suicidal teen. I anticipate integrating the RAM into my future practice as a nurse educator, researcher and leader. Roys model will be utilized as a framework for nursing curriculum. As the RAM applies to individuals as well as groups, I also anticipate applying the model to students and work groups. Being cognizant of the theory behind practice, education and research will improve my current and future nursing undertakings. Michelle B., RN, BSN, CPEN Reference McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2011). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Roy's adaptation theory views an individual as a set of biological, psychological, and social systems, and assumes that an individual strives to maintain equilibrium between these systems and their environment (Dobratz, 2004). This concept seems to be fundamental to mental health nursing since a mental health assessment means a biopsychosoial assessment, and patients mental health conditions are organized and communicated using the multi-axial system (Elder, Evans, & Nizette, 2009). There are five axes in the multi-axial system, and axis IV contains psychosocial and environmental issues that may influence their diagnosis, treatment or functioning (Elder et al., 2009, p. 208). Until I study Roys adaptation theory, I was not aware that the importance of assessing patients biological, psychological, and social systems as well as their environment and functioning issues can be also explained by Roys theory. Keiko Thompson, RN-BC, MA, MBA Reference Elder, R., Evans, K., & Nizette, D. (2009). Psychiatric and mental health nursing. (2nd ed.). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier Australia.

The research to test the efficacy of a newly developed model for promoting professional development adherers to Roy's stance that evaluating theories is an obligation for nursing and should take precedence. Superimposing Roy's adaptation model to the research will assist in guiding implementation. Additionally, the conceptual framework will provide the structure to evaluate the nurses' ability to adapt to the changing environment created with expectations for increased engagement and ownership of outcomes as well as the nurses' ability to adopt and adapt a new model to impact practice and increase efficiency. This highlights the interdepence and role function mode of adaptabilty and clearly defines goals for nurses for increased autonomy. Candace Reynolds, RN, BS, BSN

The most important part of Roy's Adaptation Model is the Six Step Nursing Process. Following through on each step of the nursing process can be exceptionally important when treating patients because it warrants a change in the health status of an individual while evaluating whether that change has produced positive outcomes. Adaptation is the key word. As a future nurse educator, I believe students can use this process as they learn to apply nursing diagnoses to develop patient health goals, which often evolves over time. Dena Joynes, RN, BSN