Answer 3 for NRS 430 Discuss the difference between a nursing conceptual model and a nursing theory

Nursing theories and conceptual models are the basis nurses use to help organize critical thinking and evidence-based practice (EBP) in the nursing process comprised of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. A nursing theory explains something supported by significant verified medical evidence, whereas a nursing conceptual model is a general idea without evidence backing it. Concepts are a component of and the foundation for theories. Theories combine concepts describing how concepts interact together to clarify a problem. This problem-solving is critical thinking by describing in more detail and revealing relevant facts, such as when a patient tells the nurse about their pain (Mintz-Binder, 2019). Theories are categorized according to their complexity, known as practice, mid-range, and grand, and are also known as conceptual models. The fundamental nursing concepts are called the metaparadigms of nursing and have four main components. These four components provide the basic structure for understanding nursing practice, known as the person, environment, health, and nursing (Mitz-Binder, 2019). Conceptual models are a method to systemize how nursing tasks are completed, resulting in optimal patient care with the best possible positive outcome. The environmental theory was developed by Florence Nightengale, who perceived the patient’s environment as the ultimate reason for their poor health and disease. This theory reverses illness and disease by changing the patient’s environment (Whitney, 2022). The environmental theory is categorized as a grand theory or a Grand Theory Metaparadigm Concept, also known as a Grand Conceptual Model. When a patient tells a nurse about their pain, the nurse implements the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, involving critical thinking and EBP, following an appropriate nursing theory and conceptual model. The environmental theory helps nurses to effectively determine the actual patient problem by identifying the underlying cause, as with the patient telling the nurse about their pain. Pain is not the problem but a sign of the actual problem and the underlying cause. The patient environment could be the determined problem. Many things in their environment factor into the decision, such as having the resources and ability to maintain personal hygiene and a clean environment, aiding in the healing process of any areas of broken skin, such as minor cuts or scratches, leading to infection and inflammation and leading to pain.

References:

Mintz-Binder, R. ( 2019). The connection between nursing theory and practice. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! 17(1), 8-9. DOI: 10.1097/01.NME.0000549615.05397.55 Whitney, S. (2022). History of professional nursing. (2nd ed.) Dynamics in nursing: Art and science of professional practice. Grand Canyon University.