Conceptual Frameworks of Nursing Model evolved

Over the years, the conceptual framework of nursing has evolved significantly, with various models being proposed to guide nursing practice. These models serve as a roadmap, providing nurses with a theoretical foundation and direction for their roles and responsibilities. They help to define the scope and boundaries of nursing and are essential in developing a unified understanding of the profession. This essay will explore the evolution of nursing models and their impact on the conceptual framework of nursing.
In the early days of nursing, the focus was primarily on the technical skills required to provide basic care. Nursing was seen as a task-oriented profession, with little emphasis on holistic care or the importance of a patient’s individual needs and preferences. However, as the understanding of health and well-being expanded, so too did the need for a more comprehensive nursing framework.

One of the earliest conceptual frameworks of nursing was proposed by Florence Nightingale in the 19th century. Nightingale’s model emphasized the environment as a key determinant of health. She believed that the physical environment, such as cleanliness and good ventilation, played a crucial role in patients’ recovery. Nightingale’s model laid the foundation for the importance of the physical environment in promoting healing, and her influence is still felt in nursing practice today.

As nursing continued to evolve, other conceptual frameworks emerged, each offering a new perspective on the role and responsibilities of nurses. One such model is the Health Belief Model, developed in the 1950s. This model emphasizes the importance of individual beliefs and attitudes towards health behaviors. It suggests that a person’s perceptions of the severity and susceptibility to illness, along with potential benefits and barriers to taking action, influence their health-related decisions. The Health Belief Model highlights the need for nurses to assess patients’ beliefs and attitudes and tailor interventions accordingly.

Another influential model is the Roy Adaptation Model, developed by Sister Callista Roy in the 1970s. This model focuses on the individual’s ability to adapt to changes in their environment. Roy believes that a person’s adaptation affects their overall health and well-being. Nurses employing this model assess individuals’ coping mechanisms and provide support to facilitate optimal adaptation. The Roy Adaptation Model recognizes the importance of individualized care and the complexity of human responses to illness.

In recent years, the conceptual framework of nursing has seen a shift towards more patient-centered models. The Patient-Centered Care Model, for example, recognizes the patient as an active participant in their care. It emphasizes collaboration between the patient and the healthcare team, with a focus on individual needs and preferences. Patient-centered care promotes shared decision-making and recognizes the importance of including patients’ values and beliefs in the care process. This model strengthens the nurse-patient relationship and enhances patient satisfaction and outcomes.

The conceptual frameworks of nursing have come a long way since the early days of the profession. They have expanded beyond mere technical skills and now encompass a holistic view of health and well-being. These models guide nurses in providing patient-centered care, recognizing the importance of the physical and psychosocial aspects of health. They emphasize the need for individualized care and the involvement of patients in their own healthcare decisions.

In conclusion, the conceptual framework of nursing has evolved over time to reflect the changing understanding of health and the role of nurses. From the early focus on technical skills to the current emphasis on patient-centered care, these frameworks have shaped nursing practice and provided a theoretical foundation for the profession. As nursing continues to evolve, it is crucial that nurses understand and utilize these models to provide the best possible care to their patients.

By Wilfax Wallace in Blog on February 14, 2024