According to Dorothea Orem, nursing consists of what fundamental aspect?

Dorothea Orem's nursing theory centers around the concept of self-care, asserting that the fundamental aspect of nursing is the ability to support and educate individuals in taking responsibility for their own health. According to Orem, nursing is essential when individuals are unable to fulfill their own self-care needs due to illness or disability. The theory emphasizes promoting independence and empowering patients to manage their health by understanding their self-care requirements.

This focus on self-care as the foundation of nursing aligns with Orem's belief that patients are more likely to achieve optimal health outcomes when they engage in their own care processes. Nurses play a critical role in facilitating this by teaching, providing necessary interventions, and enabling patients to develop the skills needed for effective self-management.

In this context, while providing care through intervention, assessing medical history, and managing medications are all important aspects of nursing, they are secondary to the overarching goal of fostering self-care which underpins Orem's philosophy. By prioritizing self-care, nurses can help patients lead healthier, more autonomous lives.