The Tidal Model of Nursing Care

The Tidal Model of Nursing Care

Nursing Theorist Grid

Use grid below to complete the Week 4-Nursing Theorists assignment. Please see the "Nursing Theorists' Grading Criteria" document, located on the Materials page of the student Web site.

Name: Leslie Sweere

Theorist Selected: Dr. Phil Barker RN, PhD

Description of Theory: "The Tidal Model" "The tidal model is an internationally accepted theory for the practice of mental health recovery" ("Tidal Model of Mental Health Nursing", 2012). The tidal model revolves around a specific theory of individualized personhood that centers on the three domains of "self, world, and others." The domain of "self" is where experiences are felt. This domain also emphasizes making patients feel more secure by developing a security plan to lessen external threats. The domain of "world" encompasses the area in which we hold our stories. It is this area that truly makes us unique. The "others" domain consists of our relationships, past, present, and future. The theory embraces the thought that change is constant and fluid. The model is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the unique individual and how they can be helped to regain their own personal voice and their own personal story in their own way ("Nursing Theory- Barker's Tidal Model of Mental Health Recovery" 2011). The model believes that the person already has the skills to get better and he or she is the expert of their own illness (Barker, 2001). The theory is values based in reference to the patient as well as the nurse or other caregiver. The six key philosophical assumptions of the model are as follows:

1. A belief in the virtue of curiousity

2. Recognition of the power of resourcefulness, instead of focusing on problems, deficits or

weaknesses.

3. Respect for the patient's wishes instead of being paternalistic

4. Acceptance of the paradox of crisis as opportunity

5. Acknowledging that all goals must belong to the individual patient

6. The virtue of pursuing elegance: the simplest possible means should be sought.

(Buchanan-Barker & Barker, 2006)

In order for the nurse to function within the model, he or she must be able to accept the following:

1. Recovery is possible

2. Change is inevitable

3. Ultimately, the