Nursing Models :: Health Care, The RTL Model

A model is a simplified representation of the structure and content of a phenomenon or system that describes or explains the building complex relationships between concepts within the system and integrates elements of theory and practice (Creek et al 1993). A nursing model is a collection of ideas and knowledge that represents nursing from the writers perspective, presenting different shipway of looking at and understanding nursing (Aggleton & Chalmers, 2000 Hogston & Simpson, 2002). Thus, nursing model is a concept of what nursing is and are used as a tool to mensurate patients needs/problems. Nursing model differentiates nursing from other disciplines and activities in that it serves the purpose of describing, explaining, predicting and controlling desired outcomes of nursing practices. Models provoke be tested, changed, or used to demand research or to provide a base for evaluation(Blais,2002).There are many models available including ropemaker Logan Tierney (RLT) (1996).The RLT model, which my portfolio is based, offers a framework for nurses to be able to stop up that case-by-caseity is taken into account when undertaking nursing care. In order to ensure that all aspects of an individuals life are integrated into an effective plan of care, Roper at al (1996) uses a problem solving approach and the nursing process in conjunction with their model for nursing.The RLT model is holistic, as it identifies five components, including the activities of everyday living (ADL), life span, dependence/independence, factors influencing AL and individuality in living, which are interrelated (Healy & Timmins, 2003 Holland et al, 2004 Roper et al, 1996). Roper et al (2000) view the patient as an individual that lives through the life span, with changing levels of dependence and independence, depending on age, circumstances and the environment (Healy & Timmins, 2003). The twelve ADL are influenced by five factors, namely biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental and politico frugal (Healy & Timmins, 2003 Holland et al, 2004 Roper et al, 1996).The RLT model individualises care using the nursing process. The model guides the nursing process, as it informs the nurse to assess the ADL (Holland et al, 2003 Roper et al, 2000 Tierney, 1998). Nursing models are flexible and can be altered to achieve individualised care, meaning the needs of an individual patient are met at a particular point in age (Radwin & Alster, 2002). However, it is not always achieved in practice (Waters & Easton, 1999).