A theory explains a relationship between multiple ideas whereas a conceptual model explains a way of thinking. Conceptual models give a mental picture of an idea. Nursing theory describes what nurses do and outcome to be expected. Whitney defines a nursing theory as, “a purposeful and systematic structure of ideas that helps to organize disciplinary thinking and influence the practice of nursing,” and a conceptual model as, “an organizing structure that is used to define theory”. A theory explains a relationship between multiple ideas whereas a conceptual model explains a way of thinking. Conceptual models give a mental picture of an idea. Nursing theory describes what nurses do and outcome to be expected.

Richard Lazarus’s theory of stress, coping and adaptation suggests that people respond with certain situations, such as stress, with negative responses (Whitney, 2018). Whitney states that, “physical and psychological responses to stressors can occur.” Examples of these responses may include high blood pressure, obesity, overeating, and emotional distress. Another example would be soldiers returning to civilian life and experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.” Lazarus’s focuses on getting people to cope and adapt to stressors.

Nurses often deal with stress in the workplace. Far too often nurses are having to work short staff with a large patient to nurse ratio. Nurses are having to skip lunches. Also, dealing with patient family members can be very stressful and exhausting. Learning how to cope with and channel that stress and anger into something or somewhere else can be very beneficial to not only the nurse but everyone else around them.

Whitney, Stacey. (2018). Effective Writing and Research. Dynamics in Nursing Art & Science of

Professional Practice.

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