Nursing Strategy

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Nursing Strategy

A conceptual model is a term used predominantly in nursing literature and is derived from the term concept, which means a mental phenomenon or idea. In that case, a conceptual model is a combination of a concept and a proposition. In nursing, conceptual models are very useful in describing the manner in which knowledge is interpreted in a certain phenomenon, or to represent the way people think about solving a specific puzzle. As such, an understanding of the nature, components and purposes of conceptual models is pivotal in the study of nursing.

The nature of a conceptual model is that it is a representation of the concepts that have been combined to represent a way of thinking. In other words, a conceptual model consists of propositions and concepts. As such, a conceptual model serves to describe a system that should be followed when thinking about a specified problem in a discipline. For example, in the field of nursing, Dorothea Orem’s self-care model is used to direct thinking in the provision of care to patients. Additionally, a conceptual model serves to represent the manner in which complex things of phenomena work (Meleis, 2011). For example, in the field of nursing, the systems model is used to describe how nursing systems work, starting from the mega-system to the very minor systems. The components of a conceptual model include the concept, which is the idea behind the model. Another concept is the construct, referring to the aspect of a conceptual model that cannot be observed but can only be inferred. The ‘proposition’ component is that which shows the relationships between the various concepts of the model. Additionally, variables in a conceptual model are the operational forms of the constructs (Meleis, 2011).

The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist’s model provides a very pivotal tool in the for the advanced nurses as they practice. Indeed, the model guides the delivery of care by the advanced nurses. The model presents a way of thinking to advanced nurses in a manner that, they may not need to follow the rules and guidelines when faced with a unique situation, but they apply the model in improvising an amicable solution. In essence, it is the conceptualization of this model that enables advanced nurses to practice a common way of communicating with patients, colleagues and other stakeholders in a manner that is therapeutic in the care delivery process (APRN Joint Dialogue Group, 2008).

The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation, on its part, arose out of a need to regulate the training, accreditation, licensing and the practice of advanced practice registered nurses across states in the United States. As such, the consensus model considered components such as the definition of APRNs, the requirements for training, licensure and accreditation for practice in the different states. The model has also categorically stated the main roles of APRNs, which are not to be confused with the other roles in nursing. Additionally, the model outlines a method of the certification examination to be done by a national certification accreditation body. The model also sought the development of a common education curriculum and assessment strategy to be set out by special interest groups and nursing organizations (APRN Joint Dialogue Group, 2008).

In sum, a conceptual model serves to define a way of thinking out in solving a problem. The components of a conceptual model include the concept, construct, proposition and variable, among others. Examples of conceptual models include the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist’s model and the APRN Consensus Regulatory model. In essence, the APRN Consensus Model defined the role of an APRN and provided a common way of treating an APRN across the states of the US.

References

APRN Joint Dialogue Group. (2008, July). Consensus model for APRN regulation: Licensure, accreditation, certification, & education. NP: Author.

Meleis, A.I. (2011). Theoretical nursing: Development and progress. New York, NY: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins