Imogene King was an American nursing theorist and educator who was born on January 30, 1923, and passed away on December 24, 2007. She is well known for her theory of goal attainment, which she developed in the 1960s and 1970s.

King received her nursing degree from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of Colorado. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from St. Louis University, and her Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Teachers College, Columbia University.

King’s theory of goal attainment is based on the idea that individuals and groups have goals that they want to achieve, and that nurses can help them achieve these goals by understanding their perceptions, motivations, and behaviors. According to King, nursing is a process of interaction between the nurse and the patient, and the goal of nursing is to help the patient achieve their goals.

King’s theory of goal attainment has three major concepts:

• Personal system – This concept refers to the individual, family, or group that is seeking to achieve a goal. The personal system includes the patient’s perceptions, beliefs, and values, as well as their behaviors and actions.
• Interpersonal system – This concept refers to the relationships between the nurse and the patient, as well as the relationships between the patient and others in their environment. The interpersonal system includes communication, interaction, and mutual goal setting.
• Social system – This concept refers to the broader social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence the patient’s health and wellbeing. The social system includes factors such as social norms, cultural beliefs, and the availability of resources and support.

King’s theory of goal attainment has been influential in nursing practice, education, and research. It has been used to guide the development of nursing interventions, to promote patient-centered care, and to enhance communication and collaboration between nurses and patients.

King was also an active educator and researcher, and she published numerous articles and books on nursing theory and practice. She received many honors and awards throughout her career, including the American Nurses Association’s Living Legend Award and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing’s Episteme Award.

Overall, Imogene King was an important figure in the development of nursing theory and practice. Her theory of goal attainment has been widely used and studied, and her contributions have helped to shape the way that nurses approach patient care and interaction.