Developing an eclectic model for nursing practice in a community hospital.

The literature documents the importance of using a conceptual model to explain and guide nursing practice (Fawcett, 1989; Riehl-Sisca, 1988; Meleis, 1991). However, can a single model describe and guide practice for an entire nursing service department? In this article, the author describes and analyzes the process of developing an eclectic conceptual nursing practice model as experienced by the nursing division of a 250-bed community hospital in the midwest.