Nursing Conceptual Model and Nursing Theory

Difference Between Nursing Conceptual Model and Nursing Theory

Nursing Conceptual Model
A nursing conceptual model serves as a framework that provides a systematic view of phenomena relevant to nursing. It organizes concepts, definitions, and assumptions in a coherent structure, enabling nurses to understand complex relationships in health care. These models provide a broad overview and serve as guides for thinking about patient care but do not offer specific testable propositions.

Nursing Theory
In contrast, a nursing theory is a more specific set of concepts and propositions that can be tested and applied in practice. Nursing theories often focus on particular aspects of nursing care, providing explanations and predictions about patient behavior and outcomes. They are grounded in empirical research and often form the basis for evidence-based practice.

Selected Nursing Theory: Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring

Summary of the Theory

Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasizes the holistic nature of nursing and the importance of caring relationships between nurses and patients. Watson defines caring as a moral ideal that involves altruism, sensitivity, and a commitment to health and healing. The theory includes ten carative factors, which serve as the foundation for caring practices. These factors include:

1. Practicing loving-kindness and equanimity
2. Being sensitive to oneself and others
3. Developing helping-trust relationships
4. Promoting and accepting the expression of positive and negative feelings
5. Providing for a supportive, protective, and/or corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment
6. Assisting with the gratification of human needs
7. Allowing for existential-phenomenological forces
8. Promoting transpersonal teaching-learning
9. Supporting the expression of spiritual beliefs and practices
10. Creating a healing environment

Watson’s theory posits that caring is central to nursing practice and contributes to health and healing. It encourages nurses to create authentic relationships with patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing.

Example in Nursing Practice

An effective application of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring can be observed in the context of palliative care. In this setting, nurses can utilize the ten carative factors to enhance the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. For instance, a nurse may practice loving-kindness by actively listening to a patient’s concerns about their condition and providing emotional support.

By fostering a trusting relationship, the nurse can better understand the patient’s values, wishes, and preferences, which is crucial in palliative care. Additionally, the nurse can create a healing environment by ensuring that the patient’s physical surroundings are comfortable and reflective of their personal preferences. This approach not only promotes the patient’s emotional well-being but also helps manage their physical symptoms more effectively.

References

Watson, J. (2012). Human Caring Science: A Theory of Nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781449640326

Alligood, M. R. (2017). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (9th ed.). Elsevier.
https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323357615?role=student

Fitzgerald, M. (2018). Caring in Nursing: A Conceptual Model and Theory. Nursing Science Quarterly, 31(1), 53-60.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0894318417748482

Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284026637