A nursing conceptual model is composed of different concepts, which are meant to help individuals in understanding the application of the model in the nursing healthcare system. A nursing conceptual model is used to represent ideas and how the model can be applied in different nursing aspects (Muller & Bester, 2016). This can include the identification of different relationships between different nursing aspects in the nursing practice. Nursing models are aimed at enhancing nurses’ understanding of a represented system, which is meant to promote effectiveness of their practice as well as provide a reference point for researchers in the nursing practice (Muller ; Bester, 2016). On the other hand, nursing theories include evidence-based practices, which are important in guiding nurses in their delivery of healthcare services. A theory involves a framework of creative ideas, which is meant to provide explanations to different phenomena in the nursing practice (Muller ; Bester, 2016).
A nursing theory is used to provide information and support in the nursing practice. This is based on research to provide relevant knowledge meant to improve the nursing practice. Nursing theories are important in providing knowledge to nurses in addressing some of the complex healthcare needs (Muller ; Bester, 2016). One of the nursing theories is the Watson’s Theory of Caring, which was developed by Jean Watson to help nurses to improve self-care as well as caring for others, which is based on moral and ethical foundations (Alligood, 2014). Watson believed that besides the skills required in the nursing practice, nurses should have other values, which include caring for the sick and supporting patients in the healing process, which go beyond the acquired educational skills in the nursing profession (Alligood, 2014). Watson also believed that it is impossible for nurses to provide adequate care to patients without truly caring for the patients (Alligood, 2014).
This theory has been integrated into the nursing education to help nursing students to effectively provide healthcare services to patients (McMillan & Gardner-Webb University, 2017). The Watson’s Theory of Caring would be effective in caring for patients with chronic illnesses or patients in the dying stage by comforting the patients through the application of different strategies to support the patients during this stage (McMillan ; Gardner-Webb University, 2017). This is important in creating a healing environment, which is important in helping patients to recover from the illness as well as any other emotional issues that the patients might be suffering from. During this stage, it is also important for the nurses to take care of themselves as this is important before providing care to others (McMillan ; Gardner-Webb University, 2017).
Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.
McMillan, M. O., ; Gardner-Webb University. (2017). The effects of Watson’s theory of human caring on the nurse perception and utilization of caring attributes and the impact on nurse communication. Boiling Springs, NC: Gardner-Webb University.
Muller, M. E., & Bester, P. (2016). Nursing dynamics. Cape Town: Pearson Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.