Student name

Maryville University

NURS-600

Professor Name

Submission Date

Slide 1

• Theory Project Artifact for Theory outside Nursing: Connecting Theory to Advanced Practice

The presentation will deal with the application of the General Systems Theory (GST) of Ludwig von Bertalanffy to nursing, but in particular to the Theory of Self-Reliance of John Lowe. We’ll examine how GST helps provide culturally sensitive and complete care, how it is connected to nursing theory, and how it is used in advanced practice positions.

Slide 2

• General Systems Theory in Brief

The General Systems Theory that was developed by biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy states that all living objects are open systems that are in constant interaction with their environment. It is known in nursing that patients are influenced by the connections that they form, the communities in which they live, and the social systems (Srdjan Kesica, 2024). Feedback, adaptation, and equilibrium are the main concepts in this theory, which are also important in holistic care. GST prompts us to view how various social, psychological, and environmental variables can affect health.

Slide 3

• John Lowe’s Theory of Self-Reliance

The Theory of Self-Reliance by Lowe is meant to assist individuals in taking care of themselves in a manner that is culturally acceptable. Initially, the theory was geared towards assisting the Native American people, and it emphasizes the need to provide culturally sensitive nursing that promotes independence and decision-making. Nurses help patients by supporting their cultural practices as well as their medical needs during recovery (Wimbish-Tompkins et al., 2024). This mental attitude appreciates diversity and personal power.

Slide 4

• Relating GST to the Theory of Self-Reliance

Both the GST and Lowe theory indicate that non-biological factors that affect health include individual, cultural, and environmental systems. GST is sure that patients are not fixed, but can change, as well as the communities to which they belong (Srdjan Kesica, 2024). This mode of thought is exposed to culture by the Lowe model. They encourage nurses to pay attention to spiritual, emotional, and community aspects when providing care (Wimbish-Tompkins et al., 2024). Hence, nurses must apply culturally appropriate interventions, and they should be system-conscious.

Slide 5

• My Personal Experience with GST

Remembering what I learned in cultural humility last week, I remembered my experience of volunteering at a community health clinic. Many patients had a language problem, lack of food, or transport to medical appointments, which are not normally the concern of doctors. GST helped me understand that health is not the role of individuals only but the entire system (Musheke & Phiri, 2021). The family of a patient, their culture, or available resources may influence the success of a patient adhering to a care plan. Consequently, I now have a greater understanding and awareness of the mechanisms of the system when attending to patients.

Slide 6

• Using these concepts in Advanced Practice

GST in advanced practice assists in explaining the numerous health systems challenges. It emphasizes that APRNs are supposed to work with patients as well as with communities and the healthcare team. As an example, we, as nurse practitioners, focus on patients within the work of their families, collaborate with social workers, and advocate for policy changes benefiting underserved individuals. The observation of the system enhances care and its results. GST helps the APRNs to determine the areas that they need to concentrate their efforts, including education, access, or care coordination (Dantas et al., 2022).

Slide 7

• Conclusion

All in all, General Systems Theory is an important resource for today’s nursing practice. It fosters a caring that takes into consideration the patient as a member of a larger group of individuals and interactions. The Theory of Self-Reliance by John Lowe, it identifies that cultural identity and empowerment are significant in the healing process. They train both advanced practice nurses to provide attentive, inclusive, and conscious care in various settings.