1) Discuss the difference between a nursing conceptual model and a nursing theory. 2) Select a nursing theory and provide a concise summary of it. 3) Provide an example in nursing practice where the nursing theory you selected would be effective in managing patient care

 
1)	Discuss the difference between a nursing conceptual model and a nursing theory.
2)	Select a nursing theory and provide a concise summary of it. 
3)	Provide an example in nursing practice where the nursing theory you selected would be effective in managing patient care.

Nursing theory is a collection of statements that explain a relationship between two or more ideas. Nursing theory plays a role in the development of the nursing discipline. All nurses use these in their daily practices, without even knowing.  A nursing conceptual model describes a specific way of thinking or an idea of how the theory fits together according to the theorist. “A conceptual model is the organizing structure that defines the theory” (Grand Canyon University, 2018, para. 34).
Jean Watson's Philosophy and Science of Caring addresses how nurses express care to their patients; caring is fundamental to nursing and encourages health as better than a simple medical cure. Watson believes that a holistic approach to health care is vital to the art of caring in nursing. Watson’s theory has ten carative factors: the first three factors form the "philosophical foundation" for the science of caring, the remaining seven develope from that foundation. An “advantage to Watson’s theory is that it creates a general framework for nursing that can be applied to a variety of situations and patients. It also places the patient in the context of the family, community, and culture” (Nursing Theory, n.d.).
Example: A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer. It is her first evening in the hospital, and she is scheduled for surgery in the morning for a mastectomy. This woman is single, her family live out of state and were unable to travel to be with her. The nurse begins to care for her after reading her chart and receiving the report from the previous nurse; consider the first three carative factors that create Watson’s theory
•	Forming humanistic-altruistic value systems: in other words, do not be task-oriented, realize that the woman in front of you is more than blood pressure and temperature. 
•	Instilling faith-hope or creating a connection with the patient: There is a need to be reassuring, reinforcing that the nurse is there to address the patient needs and fears. 
•	Cultivating sensitivity for self and others: This woman is about to have a life-changing operation. It is essential to be sensitive to this and to prepare her for the challenges and changes she is facing. It will be vital for her to accept her new self, as nurses, we need to be there to support our patient through the transition.
References
Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Dynamics in nursing: Art & science of professional practice. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/
Nursing Theory. (n.d.). Jean Watson - Nursing theorist. Retrieved from http://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Jean-Watson.php