Identify human beings as the central phenomenon of interest to nursing

Identify human beings as the central phenomenon of interest to nursing (Newman, as cited in Fawcett, 2003).
ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION OF ROGERSʼ SCIENCE OF UNITARY
HUMAN BEINGS
LISA BLUMENSCHEIN, BA, RN, BN
NURSE MANAGER OF AN INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITY FOR SENIORS
STUDENT, NP PROGRAM U VICTORIA
VICTORIA, BC

(2009) Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=1902bc61-7b1b-4c54-a0c2-bf6c63edd7ad%40sessionmgr114&vid=3&hid=118

This paper will critique Martha Rogersʼs conceptual model referred to as
the Science of Unitary Human Beings (SUHB). Rogers was a pioneer in the
development of nursingʼs unique body of knowledge. The SUHB will be
examined by looking at the scope, metaparadigms, major concepts, and value for
practice. Application to advanced nursing practice and a personal practice
scenario will be presented and examined through the theoretical lens of the
SUHB.

ROGERSʼ SCIENCE OF UNITARY HUMAN BEINGS
Martha Rogers was a renowned theorist who developed the SUHB.
Rogers was one of the first to identify human beings as the central phenomenon of interest to nursing (Newman, as cited in Fawcett, 2003). The SUHB is unique in that the phenomenon of central interest is what is “known” as opposed to what is done in practice (Rogers, as cited in Fawcett, 1995). Rogers was an innovative nurse theorist who inspired a new generation of theorists who are committed to carrying on her work.

In regards to the scope of the theory, there is disagreement among some academics as to how to classify the SUHB. In considering Rogersʼ views, there has been some debate as to whether the SUHB is a philosophy, model or theory.
Fawcett (1993) differentiates between a theory and a model stating that a theory is less abstract than a model. She further states that a theoryʼs concepts are operationally defined and less abstract than the concepts of a model. Rogers rejected the labels of philosophy, model and theory and referred to the SUHB as a conceptual framework or system, however she apparently did not clearly indicate in her writing as to her rationale (Biley, 2002).