Betty Neuman developed the Neuman Systems Model, a holistic nursing theory that views each client as an open system interacting with their internal and external environments. The theory proposes a wellness-illness continuum influenced by stressors and defines nursing as having three main roles: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Nurses use a three step process of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment while considering five client variables: physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and spiritual. The Neuman Systems Model serves as a framework for holistic nursing practice and is widely used in nursing education and clinical settings.

1. BETTY NEUMAN

2. Betty Neuman
Received RN Diploma from Peoples
Hospital School of Nursing, Akron, Ohio in
1947
Received BS in nursing from UCLA in 1957
Received Masters degree in Mental Health,
Public Health Consultation from UCLA in
1966
Her model was first published as a 'Model
for teaching total person approach to
patient problems' in Nursing Research in
1972

3. Nursing Theory
Betty Neuman’s theory defines a
total-person model for nursing,
incorporating a holistic concept and
an open-systems approach.
Betty Neuman developed a
multifaceted theory including:
Client/person, Health, Environment,
Nursing.

4. Client/Person Aspect of Theory
Neuman believes that nursing is
concerned with the whole person
including these dimensions:
Physical/Physiological
Psychological
Socio-cultural
Developmental
Spiritual

5. Health Aspect of Theory
Health/wellness is "the condition in which
all parts and subparts (variables) are in
harmony with the whole of the client”.
“Neuman proposes a wellness-illness
continuum, with the person's position on
that continuum being influenced by their
interaction with the variables and the
stressors they encounter”.
http://www.patheyman.com/essays/neuman/index.htm

6. Environmental Aspect of Theory
The environment is a force which
surrounds a person and with which
they interact at any given time that
affects their wellbeing.
Neuman also identified a created
environment which is an
environment that is created and
developed unconsciously by the client
and is symbolic of system wholeness.

7. Nursing Aspect of Theory Involves
“The role of the nurse is seen in terms of degrees
of reaction to stressors, and the use of primary,
secondary and tertiary interventions.
Primary focuses on strengthening a line of defense
through the identification if actual or potential risk factors
associated with stressors
Secondary prevention strengthens internal defensives
and resources by establishing priorities and treatment
plans for identified symptoms
Tertiary focuses on re-adaptation and strengthens
resistance to stressors through client education and
prevention of a recurrence of the stress response”
Potter and Perry. Fundamentals of Nursing

8. Neuman envisions a 3-stage
nursing process:
Nursing Diagnosis - based on necessity of a
thorough assessment and with consideration given
to five variables in three stressor areas.
Nursing Goals - these must be discussed with the
patient and take account of patient's and nurse's
perceptions of variance from wellness
Nursing Outcomes - considered in relation to the
five variables and achieved through primary,
secondary and tertiary interventions.

9. Neuman System
“The Neuman Systems Model is used
at all levels of nursing education from
diploma through doctorate. The
model is used in many clinical areas
in institutional and community nursing
practice at national and international
sites.”

10. Neuman’s model can be used today
as a framework for nursing practice
when applied to:
the client
her health
the environment

11. The Client
Consists of the individual, the family,
friends, as well as the community.
The theory states, nurses should not
only view the individual holistically,
but should also take the family,
friends, and the community into
consideration.

12. Health
Neuman views health as a state of
equilibrium between a client’s internal
and external environment.
“Health, according to Neuman, is
equated with optimum system
stability, that is, the best possible
wellness state at any given time.”
Nurses apply this theory by
individualizing the optimum state of
wellness for each client.

13. Environment
“Neuman’s concept of environment is that
of an internal and external environment
with varying degrees of harmony and
balance between the two.”
By recognizing the two environments, the
nurse educates and implements treatments
that are individualized for each patient not
only for her psychological, spiritual, and
physiological nature, but also for her family
and social relationships.

14. Neuman Model
Is compatible with today’s health care
philosophy by seeing the client in a
holistic manner.
Nurses provide this care through their
assessment, diagnosis, treatment
and education, and evaluation.

15. Does the Betty Neuman Nursing Theory
describe what nursing is, or what it ought
to be?
The Neuman Systems Model describes nursing as it is
today. This model seems to serve as a blueprint for holistic
nursing. By using this holistic point of view, a single
approach is used to assess the needs and concerns of the
patient. In doing so the main goal is to keep the clients
condition stable due to environmental stressors.
This model allows us to properly assess and treat patients
holistically using 5 client variables.
The 5 client variables are Physiological, Psychological,
Developmental, Sociocultural, and Spiritual.
Since nurses are the primary caregivers this theory provides
a blueprint and describes nursing for what it is today. This
system is very versatile and is used by all levels of nurses,
from associate to doctorate nurses.