[The importance of a theory ... the conceptual model by Dorothea E. Orem]

The necessity to care by theoretical thinking and a scientific method is recognized. We have to abandon the task-oriented care model in order to consider a method based on theory to guide our practice. The importance of a Nursing theory depends on its utility in caring and in the disciplinary development. Nurses must learn to be an autonomous profession, based on scientific and theoretical knowledge. Many nursing Scientists have elaborated their own model or theory useful to the Nursing discipline. One of these, is D. Orem's conceptual framework that has defined "self-care" as a human need. In the frame of self care, she has identified the function of Nursing.