A Conceptual Model of Nursing and Health Policy

A new conceptual model of nursing and health policy was designed to extend substantive knowledge of health policy within the discipline of nursing through policy analysis, policy or program evaluation, and disciplinary research that are conducted at five levels. Level 1 focuses on the effectiveness of nursing practice processes on the health outcomes of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Level 2 focuses on the efficiency of nursing practice delivery systems. Level 3 focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of a specific health care delivery system. Level 4 focuses on equity of access to effective and efficient nursing practice processes and nursing practice delivery systems. Level 5 focuses on social justice. The five levels interact with health policies and both constitute and are constituted by health policies. Of special interest are the health care services, personnel, and expenditures components of health policies formulated by geopolitical and governmental entities and institutions and organizations.