Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow that help healthcare professionals decide which care to prioritize.
Nurses can use the following as a blueprint to make accurate nursing diagnosis and see which care to focus on.
For example, would you really focus on the client’s feelings over their breathing needs? Absolutely not.
See where your favorite social media platforms fall under in the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs! It’s essential to know the order of importance of each to answer the questions.
In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, know that you must address the patient’s physiological needs before addressing safety, belonging, esteem, and self-realization/actualization.
For example, you need air, food, and water before you could worry about whether you fit in a clique.
NCLEX Tips for Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Categorize which answers are psychological and physiological.
- Prioritize the physiological answers over the psychological.
- Apply ABCs – airway, breathing, and circulation
- Figure out what the highest priority is for the patient.
- Ask yourself if you could only do one thing for this patient before walking away and not doing the other multiple choices, which one would you do?
- Hand-washing is considered Safety & Security in Maslow’s hierarchy of heeds.
- We learn our beliefs and values from our families.
- The most basic human need is physiological.
- The most essential physiological need is oxygen. You can’t eat or drink if you’re not breathing.
Who is Maslow?
Abraham Harold Maslow was an American psychologist who’s notorious for the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a theory that uses a pyramid as a springboard to visualize the psychological health and the human needs priority that leads to self-actualization. The theory is focused on that everything we do is focused on the need to be satisfied. It is more than just staying alive.
We do more than just eat and drink every day to stay alive. We have goals and we have dreams. We have wants and desires that lead us to be happy if they are met or unhappy and depressed if they are not met. This is why Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is created to design the levels of what is considered a priority.
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Physiological Needs?
This is the priority for patients before all else.
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Safety Needs?
Safety is being in a home in a safe neighborhood without worrying about danger. It also includes having a secure job without worrying about losing your home and belongings.
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Belonging Needs?
Feeling accepted by your peers, having a significant other, and having a loving family is the next step.
What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Self-Esteem Needs?
Self-esteem is being able to have confidence in one’s self and accepting who you are. It is about being able to have respect for yourself and others.
What is Maslow’s Self-Realization/Actualization Needs?
Having the ability to deal with problem solving, lack of prejudice, and knowing what is right or wrong. To have your goals achieved and to be who you want to be is the highest achievement.
