Theory to practice: developing a Rogerian-based assessment tool.

Nursing models are invaluable in the direction they provide for nursing practice, education and research. The growth and development of the nursing profession is enhanced when its practice is guided by nursing theory. Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings is appealing to nursing because of its open-systems perspective and focus on holistic and individualistic care. Rogers' model is utilized to develop a nursing assessment tool that may be used in a variety of situations. The Rogerian-based assessment tool is used to gather data from a postpartum mother experiencing the challenges of her first newborn. Problems incurred while developing and utilizing the tool are discussed. Rogers' model is shown to be practical and effective in this case study.