Maslow's hierarchy of Needs.

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I am curious to know how my fellow nurses prioritize patient care and needs. Does anyone ever think about Maslow's Hierarchy of needs? First tier is physiological: like breathing, eating, and excretion.

2nd is saftey: security of body, morality.

3rd tier includes love and belonging.

4th tier is esteem including respect.

And last tier is self actualization.

Do you follow these tiers and do you believe the patients you care for are getting these needs meet.

iluvgusgus

150 Posts

no....

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Yes....we all do without realizing it.

1. Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.

2. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, limits, stability, freedom from fear.

3. Social Needs - belongingness, affection and love, - from work group, family, friends, romantic relationships.

4. Esteem needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others.

5. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

If they aren't breathing they aren't leaving.

You worry about your patient ABC's...tier one. You don't want them to fall and keep them safe...tier two. You ask and want family involved...tier three. You are a patient advocate and want them to reach their potential even after devastating injury/stroke/illnes...tier four. A little more difficult but you help patient realize their self worth by encouraging treatment...tier 5.

YES every day.

Penholder

149 Posts

I'm a CNA (starting nursing school in sept-but 11 years in the trenches). YES! And you warmed my little nursing student/human service grad heart here!

CapeCodMermaid, RN

6,090 Posts

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

The hierarchy of needs:

1. Food

2. BINGO

3. Bonanza

psychgeribuff

34 Posts

Specializes in Geriatric Psychiatry.

Thank you all for sharing!! This theory is how I try and practice. I also try and stress this to the new nurses I am able to orient. I use the example of passing medication and being in a hurry. Your patient needs to use the bathroom and there is no cna to do this task. Your thinking " O no I dont have enough time!!" But rememmber this basic need trumps the pills we throw at them. Put them on the toliet, meet these basic needs please!! They are the most important part of nursing. And enable our patient to start on the next hierarchy of needs. If we dont meet the basic ones our patients lose a lot more than there dignity!!!

NutmeggeRN, BSN

2 Articles; 4,620 Posts

Specializes in kids.
The hierarchy of needs:

1. Food

2. BINGO

3. Bonanza

Sweet! :roflmao:

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