Studying and Using Conceptual Models of Nursing

This national survey used an investigator‐developed questionnaire to explore how and when graduate nursing students and faculty members learned about conceptual models of nursing and how they regarded them. Of the 691 respondents, 477 (69%) were familiar with 3 or more models. Formal course work, independent studies and continuing education programs were the most frequent sources of knowledge about models. The students reported exposure to models earlier in their educations than did the faculty members. Users of models in practice and research were enthusiastic about their value. Most respondents (87%) regarded the development of conceptual models of nursing as being highly important to the advancement of nursing.