Nursing models and research ‐ a restricting view?

Abstract

The question is asked, Do some nursing models present a restricting view? If so, then the type of research in nursing may be restricted also. The author examines the writings of several nurse theorists to demonstrate the development of a singular focus, the patient. This consideration is followed by an introduction of the thoughts of critics on the narrow perspective embraced by some nurses. Blind acceptance of any nursing model is questioned. The use of a model must be accompanied by discussion, exploration and adaptation. No one model provides a true picture for all nursing situations.

Family health assessment — an integrated approach

“…Recently, nurses have applied these models to the nursing of families (Clements & Roberts 1983;Mermel & Congdon 1977). While the use of one nursing framework throughout the nursing student's undergraduate programme has been advocated (Stevens 1979), there has been concern expressed regarding the 'carte blanche' acceptance of nursing models for all areas of nursing practice (Hardy 1982;Hamilton 1983). That adaptation of models for various areas of practice may be required and should be encouraged has been emphasized by these authors.…”

On the misguided search for a definition of nursing

“…In resistance to these ongoing disagreements, some nurse scholars argued the impossibility of any nursing conceptual model capturing all possible nursing situations or all scientific questions that nursing ought to be asking (Hardy, 1982). Others advocated abandoning the theoretical project entirely, or considering it simply as a side interest (Timpson, 1996) and instead went about trying to regularize and standardize the discipline's interpretations and actions in the form of nursing diagnosis and standardized care plans (Gordon, 1982)-in essence, sending us back to being discipline-oriented around task functions that perhaps better fits the needs of health systems increasingly focused on efficiencies.…”