Dr. Imogene King developed the Goal Attainment Theory to explain the interpersonal relationship systems in which people develop and progress through life to achieve personal life goals (Schub, 2016). King’s Theory of Goal Attainment is a dynamic notion that nursing interactions lead to actions that result in accomplishing a goal (Schub, 2016). According to King, goal attainment fosters successful nursing care as well as growth and development (Schub, 2016).
King’s Theory of Goal Attainment is used as a framework for nurse leadership and the director of nursing position. King’s theory is based on accomplishing goals, which is the duty of a director of nursing. As a director of nursing an issue that may arrive is staff performance issues. This could be due to many factors for nurses. Long hours and high acuity patients lead to unhappy nurses. They feel over worked and underappreciated. As a director of nursing, it is imperative to be aware of these issues and find ways to address them to improve nurse satisfaction and performance. King’s Theory of Goal Attainment is a method that directors of nursing can use to address these issues.
As a nurse leader, goal attainment is a necessary aspect of the job. A director of nursing is in charge of the nurses in a health care setting. Nurses who have an optimistic attitude in reaching work related goals show a stronger ability to acquire nursing competencies and skills (Korunsky & Wiemer, 2016). As a director of nursing, it is important to support nurses in continuing professional development and growth to increase performance in the workplace (Korunsky & Wiemer, 2016).
As an example, director’s use King’s Theory of Goal Attainment to assist nurses in accomplishing professional development by supporting beliefs, listening to fellow nurses, and organizing programs that support nurse’s skills. This could be by simply speaking with nurses and listening to their concerns, or by facilitating continuing education for nurses to expand their nursing knowledge to enhance nurse performance. By doing this, director of nursing and nurses alike, are able to accomplish goals, address performance issues, and provide competent care to patients through King’s theory.
Korunsky, J., & Wiemer, H., (2016). Goal attainment. CINAHL Nursing Guide.
Schub, T. (2016). King’s theory of goal attainment. CINAHL Nursing Guide.
Order this paper