Introduction
Both Nursing theory and conceptual nursing models are critical in formulating strategies to ensure the delivery of quality care. The two approaches are interrelated; both can be used to develop policies and treatment processes for different patients. Nursing theory and conceptual framework play significant roles in the formulation of different nursing disciplines.
Conceptual Models and Nursing Theory
Nursing theory refers to the collection of statements that describe the connection or association between two or more ideas in nursing practices. Nursing theories play significant roles in the formulation of different nursing disciplines. Nursing theories are commonly applied to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services (Grand Canyon University, 2018). All nurses apply nursing theories in their daily practices without knowing.
Nursing theory can also be perceived as organized and knowledge-based concepts that fundamentally define the scope of nursing practices; it involves creative and restructuring concepts and ideas that project a purposeful, systematic, and tentative perception of a given phenomenon. Through systematic inquiries, both in nursing practices and research, nursing professionals are able to develop new knowledge relevant to the provision of care to all patients.
Conceptual models in nursing often describe a certain way of thinking or ideas of how given nursing theories can fit together according to the theorist (Brandão et al., 2019). A conceptual model can be perceived as the organizing structure that describes the theory. The conceptual model of nursing provides a framework for observation, reflection, as well as the interpretation of a given phenomenon. In particular, it provides guidance and guidelines for different aspects of clinical practices.
Jean Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring Theory
The theory expresses how nurses provide care to all patients. From the theory, quality care is the cornerstone of nursing practice. According to this theory, caring is fundamental to nursing practices since it encourages health to be better than the simple medical cure. Jean Watson believes in the holistic approaches to healthcare processes (Jean Watson Nursing Theory, n.d). Watson’s theory has ten major concepts of factors; the first three factors are based on the philosophical foundation for the art or science of care.
On the other hand, the last seven concepts arise from the above foundation. One of the main advantages of Watson’s theory is that it provides a common or universal framework that can be used in different scenarios and the management of different patients. The theory also puts patients in the context of the community, family, and culture.
Watson’s theory can be applied under different circumstances. For instance, it can be applied in the below situation.
A 52-year old has been diagnosed with lung cancer. It is her first afternoon in the treatment process; she is scheduled for therapy the following morning. The woman is divorced, her family lives out of the country, and is unable to travel to keep her company.
The three concepts of Watson’s theory that can be applied in the above scenario include the creation of a humanistic-altruistic value system, creating the connection with the patient by instilling hope or faith, and humanizing sensitivity for self and others.
The woman is likely to undergo a life-changing medical procedure that requires sensitive approaches from the scenario given. Also, it is necessary to give hope through creating the connection between the patient and nurses/healthcare professionals involved in the surgical process.
Conclusion
Nursing theory refers to the collection of statements that describe the connection or association between two or more ideas in nursing practices. According to the theorist, conceptual models in nursing often describe a certain way of thinking or ideas of how given nursing theories can fit together.
According to Jean Watson’s theory, caring is fundamental to nursing practices since it encourages health to be better than the simple medical cure.
References
Brandão, M. A. G., Barros, A. L. B. L. D., Caniçali, C., Bispo, G. S., & Lopes, R. O. P. (2019). Nursing theories in the conceptual expansion of good practices in nursing. Revista brasileira de enfermagem, 72, 577-581. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0395
Order this paper