Philosophies, Conceptual Frameworks, Paradigms, Theories and Metatheories

Tierney (1998, p78) refers to a nursing model as 'philosophies, conceptual frameworks, paradigms, theories and metatheories'. In simple terms George (2002) defines a nursing model as a source of information on definitions for clinical practice and with the nursing process supplies a plan on carrying out nursing care. Nursing models provide guidelines and support for nursing staff in the delivery of quality care. In the early days of nursing, nurses would deliver care across all settings without patient or residents input (Nazarko, 2007, p333). In the last 30 years we have made a change to a more informative care for patients and residents thus leading to the development of nursing models. There are many different types of nursing models including; medical, social and lifespan models. The author will now discuss an example of the latter two models of nursing care.

What is the Nursing Process?

The nursing process was introduced first in the UK in the 1970s (Reid, 2015). It is used as a tool to solve an organised individualised care (Cardwell et al, 2011, p1378). Rush et al (1996) defines the nursing process as "an organised systematic and deliberate approach to nursing with the aim of improving standards in nursing care". This problem solving style of nursing care has four steps; Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Although Hogston (2011) has suggested a fifth step 'nursing diagnosis' be added as the second stage, which is now becoming increasing popular as it is an important part of care.

The assessment stage is predominantly about collecting information. This may include observation of the resident for changes physically, socially or psychologically. Also interviewing the resident, their families or care workers. The nurse will gather as much information as possible through past medical files, old medical notes and baseline observations. The nurse will use all the relevant material and set a goal of care for the resident

The nurse will begin planning the delivery of care from the information she has collected. Goals will be set in accordance to the resident's history and all known risk factors will be considered. All goals must be realistic for the person to be to achieve them and a time frame must be set. A plan of care will be drawn up that all staff should adhere to with the hope of achieving the set goal.

Implementing the plan