Identifying Key Components of Professional Practice Models for Nursing: A Synthesis of the Literature

Purpose:

This presentation will synthesize the key components of professional practice models for nursing published in the literature. A professional practice model provides a foundation for safe, high quality care and depicts the values that underpin nursing practice.  While the Magnet Recognition Program resulted in professional practice models being developed and implemented across much of the United States, more recently the value of a professional practice model to provide the best environment for quality care has resulted in a much wider attention and application. This paper will discuss the implications for nurse leaders and clinicians developing or reviewing a professional practice model. It will also provide insights into future research opportunities.

Methods:

A review of English language papers published up to August 2014 was undertaken and identified 51 articles that described 38 professional practice models. A thematic analysis of the articles was undertaken to identify the common themes and key components found in all professional practice models.

Results:

Three key elements of professional practice models were identified from the thematic analysis. Firstly the importance of an underpinning theoretical foundation grounding the professional practice models in a well-established nursing concept or theory. Secondly six essential components of a model were identified. These were leadership, nurses’ independent and collaborative practice, environment, nurse development and recognition, research and innovation and a focus on patient outcomes. Thirdly simple language void of jargon and easily identified by direct care nurses was critical to gain support for the model.

Conclusion:

A professional practice model clarifies the key elements that must be imbedded in a nursing organization to promote nursing excellence. Numerous professional practice models have been developed by nurses for their own health services. None the less, common themes emerged to guide future model development. Key components identified in this presentation may be of interest to nurse leaders, who are beginning the journey to Magnet® recognition or are seeking to enhance nursing excellence. These elements provide clarity to guide nurse leaders’ discussion with staff to shape a professional practice model that is meaningful to direct care nurses. Few of the studies reported in this presentation formally evaluated the adopted professional practice model. Future research focused on professional practice models and how they might contribute to positive patient and nurse outcomes would strengthen the evidence to guide development and implementation of the model in future.