Introduction
Nursing conceptual models and theories facilitate different aspects of nursing practice. The given analysis will focus on distinguishing between these two elements of nursing knowledge. It will also seek to showcase the Nursing Need Theory developed by Virginia Henderson as an example. Thus, specific nursing theories can offer proper guidance in improving patient outcomes and care, but nursing conceptual models provide a broader frame of reference for nursing practice.
Conceptual Model
Nursing conceptual models and nursing theories are distinct; therefore, they have divergent roles within the nursing profession. The former is more comprehensive, as it is broader in perspective by creating a structure or framework for how nursing interventions should take place (Smith, 2019).
Theory
However, theories are much narrower in scope, which means that they are precise in their strategies and directions to handle specific situations in nursing practice. For example, the Nursing Need Theory was created by Virginia Henderson, and it focuses on increasing a patient’s independence to speed their recovery in the hospital (Gonzalo, 2023). The theory states that meeting basic human needs is pivotal, and it is best done by oneself rather than someone else; therefore, nurses play a key role in fulfilling such needs, but patients need self-sufficiency. As a result, if a patient struggles with self-care due to injury, Henderson’s theory will help nurses by enabling the necessary help until they regain their ability to self-care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while nursing conceptual models give a comprehensive overview of nursing practice, nursing theories like Virginia Henderson’s offer precise strategies to manage specific nursing situations. In essence, the latter means that Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory provides a roadmap for nurses to promote patient care. It is critical to ensure that such theories are well understood and implemented in nursing practice since they are key in providing high-quality and patient-centered care.
References
Gonzalo, A. (2023). Virginia Henderson: Nursing need theory. Nurselabs. Web.
Smith, M. C. (2019). Nursing theories and nursing practice. F. A. Davis Company.