Choose a nursing theory from this week’s assigned readings and different from what has been used in previous assignments. In the Module 4 discussion, I chose Imogene M. King’s Theory of Goal Attainment. Evaluate the nursing theory using the evaluation and analysis tool and post the tool within the Discussion Board.

See the analysis tool below.

Discuss difficulties that may be encountered when applying the selected theory to practice.
From experience in the ED and Critical Care setting, this theory would be difficult to apply to practice when caring for patients who are there for ETOH withdrawal or drug overdose. As a nurse setting goals for these types of patients, makes it difficult if the patient is not looking to stop drinking or using drugs. I have experienced patients brought in by family members or friends many times when the patient is incapable of making decisions for themselves. A plan of care to treat the patient will start, but once the patient wakes up, they leave against medical advice because they are not on board with seeking treatment or getting sober. In Kentucky, we have Casey’s law which allows family members to petition the court to have a loved one with a substance use disorder involuntarily committed to treatment (OpenAI, 2025). I have seen one patient’s family member move forward with this, where the goals of care became what the sister wanted for the patient. Otherwise, it makes it difficult to establish goals if the patient cannot agree upon the goals of care.

Discuss what you have learned from analyzing this theory.
I have learned that Imogene M. King’s Theory of Goal Attainment can be used with almost every patient encounter where the nurse and patient are working towards establishing a common goal related to the treatment plan. There can be barriers, though, when looking at the progression of this theory. The patient’s condition can change, causing the original established goals to be obsolete. Conflict can occur between the nurse and patient interaction causing the patient to become disconnected from established goals (Alligood, 2022, p. 219). The Theory of Goal Attainment can be used in other settings besides hospital settings. Ambulatory clinics, long-term care facilities, home health, and case management can all use the theory to establish goals with the patient and develop a plan to achieve them (Smith, 2022, p. 249-251).

After you complete your analysis, rank the theory and its application to nursing practice. Use a Likert scale to rank your theory from 1-5 (1. extremely applicable, 2. applicable, 3. somewhat applicable, 4. difficult, 5. extremely difficult). Provide a rationale for the Likert score selected.
Statements surrounding Hypotheses from the Theory of Goal Attainment