The Betty Neuman Systems Model in nursing practice: a case study approach

The value of models of nursing to provide direction for nursing practice, education and research is becoming increasingly evident in the literature. Nursing is developing a heightened awareness of the importance of models as vehicles to professional accountability. By delineating the boundaries of nursing, they serve as a framework for the development of nursing knowledge. This paper describes the use of the Betty Neuman Systems Model in practice using a case study approach. The selection of the model for practice reflects the congruency between the practitioner's personal values and assumptions and those of the model, the major elements of which are highlighted in the first section of the paper. The second section explores the model in practice via a nursing situation in which the client is recovering at home following hospitalization and treatment for a myocardial infarction.