Margaret Newman R. N. , Ph. D. , F. A. A. N Margaret Newman R.N., Ph.D., F.A.A.N. “Health as expanding consciousness” Born October 10, 1933 Presented by: Jill Acuff & Kendra Whipple

Health as expanding consciousness- inspiration Margaret’s experience caring for her mother with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Martha Rogers- a teacher and colleague to Newman (Health as Expanding Consciousness, 2014). Theorists: Bentov, Bohm, and Ferguson (Bateman & Merryfeather, 2014, p.58). Margaret’s mother lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and eventually died from the disease. This served as inspiration for Newman to become a nurse.

Education and Career Bachelors Degree: University of Tennessee 1962 Masters Degree: University of California 1964 Doctorate Degree: New York University 1971 Primary care giver to her mother (not career related, but relevant) Director of nursing of a clinical research center Assistant professor of nursing at the University of Tennessee Professor-in-charge of graduate study in nursing at Penn State Nurse theorist at the University of Minnesota While Newman was teaching at NYU she was a colleague of Martha Rogers.

Health as Expanding consciousness The theory asserts that every person in every situation, no matter how disordered and hopeless it may seem, is part of the universal process of expanding consciousness – a process of becoming more of oneself, of finding greater meaning in life, and of reaching new dimensions of connectedness with other people and the world (Health as Expanding Consciousness, 2014). The basic components of this theory are redefining health, recognizing patterns, defining meaning in a person’s, and creating a turning point to bring them to a higher level of consciousness.

Health as expanding consciousness- components Medical definition of health: The absence of disease or illness. Definition of Patterns: Are any interaction an individual has with any piece of the environment. They are significant or meaningful moments in an individual’s life. Definition of Consciousness: An interaction of the whole environmental system involving space, time, and movement. Newman’s theory redefines health, because you can’t differentiate disease from the person. Nursing process is a tool to uncover patterns that can bring the patient, family, and nurse to a high level of consciousness. Consciousness- things are always changing in the environment across space and time, so have an awareness of this allows you to expand consciousness.

Health as expanding consciousness- summary Relationship between the nurse and patient: the nurse facilitates the process of identifying patterns, helps the patient move beyond limitations, and helps evaluate the process to expand consciousness. Newman’s theory redefines health, and allows for a positive experience for all people involved and provides a new way to look at life.

Health as expanding consciousness- implementation Be present with your patients. Ask open-ended questions. Practice holistically. This is beneficial for the patient and nurse, because with experiences you look at situations differently.

Health as expanding consciousness- relevancy How is this relevant in today’s nursing setting? Used in over 30 research studies internationally related to nursing (Smith, 2011, p.257). Has been used to improve nursing protocols and practice Musker & Kagan (2011). Provides guidelines and potential for nurses to practice more holistic care. May be possible to use in long term care facilities or other practice where nurse has more extended periods of time with patients.

Health as expanding consciousness- weaknesses What are the weaknesses of this theory? Concepts are challenging to grasp initially (Draper, P. 1994 p. 204). Neither long-term research, nor quantitative research has been conducted yet using this theory- variables in the theory are difficult to define. (Rothlyn, 2006 p. 88). Seems overwhelming to practice the theory at the bedside due to time constraints.

References Bateman, G. C. & Merryfeather, L. (2014). Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness: A Personal Evolution. Nursing Science Quarterly. 27(1), 57-61. Retrieved from http://www.ulib.niu.edu:3620/content/27/1/57.full.pdf+html. Draper, P. (1994). Margaret Newman: health as expanding consciousness (book). Journal of Advanced Nursing. 19(2), 405. Retrieved from http://www.ulib.niu.edu:3644/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=84d2584e-157f-46bb-8e49- 1fe36d013fd0%40sessionmgr4004&vid=5&hid=4106. Health as Expanding Consciousness. (2014). Retrieved from http://healthasexpandingconsciousness.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view &id=12&Itemid=26. Musker, K. M. & Kagan, P. N. (2011). Health as Expanding Consciousness: Implications for Health Policy as Praxis. Nursing Science Quarterly. 24(3), 279-286. Retrieved from http://nsq.sagepub.com/content/24/3/279. Rothlyn, P. Z. (2006). Book Review: Giving voice to what we know: Margaret Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness in nursing practice, research, and education. Western Journal of Nursing Research. 28(1), 85-88. Retrieved from http://www.ulib.niu.edu:3936/content/28/1/85. Smith, M. C. (2011). Integrative Review of Research Related to Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness. Nursing Science Quarterly. 24(3). 256-272. Retrieved from http://nsq.sagepub.com/content/24/3/256.