Maslow

In this weeks readings I found Maslow's hierarchy to be the most interesting out of all the theorists. In my career as a nurse I see this over and over again. When a person in injured and they are recovering they always progress up the pyramid. The person is always first focused on food, water, and pain management. Once those needs are met and the patient starts to move around, usually with therapy, patient become very aware of their surroundings. At this point patients are very concerned with their safety and falling. After the patient has started walking a decent amount they become more concerned with going home and getting back to taking care of their family. It's fascinating to see how patients in work setting progress. I work in a rehabilitation hospital and I see this over and over again with stroke patients. It's amazing to see how when the brain is injured it reverts back to only focusing on the most basic of needs while the brain continues to heal. As the brain continues to heal the person continues to progress up the pyramid, and once they are discharged from our hospital they are able to do so much more then when they came in. To me it is just fascinating to see how the patient progresses through the hierarchy throughout their hospital stay. It is incredibly rewarding to have such an impact in a patients life.

Reference:
Berger, K. S. (2011). Theories of Development. In A Bayne, J.  (Ed.), The Developing Person Through the Life Span (pp. 33-57). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.