Dorothy Johnson, Ida Jean Orlando, and the 1950’s to 1960’s

      Johnson viewed health as efficient and effective functioning of the system, and as behavioral system balance and stability. Behavioral system balance and stability are demonstrated by observed behavior that is purposeful, orderly, and predictable. Consider a clinical-practice situation that demonstrates Johnson’s model of health. How can the nurse support this theory to return the patient to balance and stability? Overview The theories and theorists discussed in this module include Dorothy Johnson (Behavioral Systems Model). This theory view persons (families, groups, communities) as integrated wholes or integrated systems interacting with the larger environmental system. The health or well-being of the person is influenced by environmental factors. This module introduces the work of Ernestine Wiedenbach, Lydia Hall, Ida Jean Orlando, and Joyce Travelbee. This module summarizes each of these early scholars and their conceptualization of nursing and the nurse-patient relationship. Their work situated the focus of nursing from performance of tasks to engagement in a therapeutic relationship designed to facilitate health and healing.