Imogene King's conceptual framework: a proposed model for continuing nursing education

This paper presents a proposed model for continuing nursing education based on Imogene King's conceptual framework. The rationale for using King's conceptual framework as the foundation underlying this proposed model is three-fold: the concepts--social systems, health, perception, and interpersonal relationships--are relevant in every nursing situation; the interacting levels of operation--individuals, groups, and society--depict a reciprocal relationship between human behaviour and the environment; and the triad of elements--continuing nursing education, nursing practice, and nursing research--are interrelated in the nursing profession. The authors contend that this approach to continuing nursing education is beneficial to participating nurses, the health care consumer, and to the advancement of the nursing profession. Based on its simplicity and flexibility, the proposed intra-systems model described in this article is useful as a systematic guide for continuing nursing education. The authors believe that this proposed model provides an approach for stimulating continued learning, for establishing innovative foundations for nursing practice, and for generating inquiry through research. Utilizing this approach in maintaining the educational standards for professional practice will promote change for the advancement of the nursing profession.