The Roper-Logan-Tierney (1996) model of nursing as a tool for professional development in education.

This paper is to demonstrate the use of the Roper-Logan-Tierney model [The Elements of Nursing: A Model for Nursing Based on a Model for Living, fourth ed. Churchill Livingstone, London 1996] (RLT) in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of an infant in a neonatal intensive care setting. The paper also provides an insight into student's reflection upon learning during the programme and preparation of a care study. The RLT model provided a clear framework to guide the nursing care of Neonate. However, despite the lack of evidence as to the benefits the use of this model, individualisation of nursing practice [Journal of Advanced Nursing, 28 (1), (1998) 77] was a particular benefit that emerged during this study. Rather than focusing on the medical and routine day to day aspects of care in the neonatal unit, the use of the model allowed for the construction of a plan of care based on the baby's own specific physical, social and emotional needs. If models are here to stay, it is imperative that empirical evidence is generated to underpin their use in practice. Outcome measures, including outcome and satisfaction would contribute greatly to knowledge in this area. In addition, nurse's views of their use needs to be more clearly and widely articulated.