The Stress, Healing, and Resilience Nursing Model of Whole Person Care

Abstract

The stress, healing, and resilience model of whole person care provides a patient-centered perspective of nursing practice within the context of the nurse–patient relationship. The framework delineates the key concepts that constitute the core biological and behavioral makeup of every person as the primary predicate for nursing practice. Health depends on the interrelated effects of stress, healing, resilience, and development as well as personal and social resources, coping, meaning, and lifestyle behaviors which permeate throughout all systems from the molecular to the spiritual. Nursing’s role is delineated by the model’s specified goals, desired outcomes, and proposed psychosocial interventions consistent with the discipline of nursing. The model’s conceptualization of nursing in relation to the whole person is relevant across research and clinical and educational arms. It is relevant for all nurses seeking to strengthen the resilience of healthy and chronically ill individuals across the lifespan.