Multiple methods and models of comprehensive evaluation are available for studying the effectiveness of a nursing school with its constituents, often including students, alumni, faculty, employers and community partners. Evaluation may include study of distance-learning effectiveness, nursing curriculum impact or data collection methods. Comprehensive evaluation models should take into account whether care theories are being learned, implemented and used in society.
The Neuman Systems Model of comprehensive nursing education evaluation is a multi-disciplinary approach to measuring nursing education. It specifically integrates physiological, psychological and other concerns as part of patient care. Developed by Dr. Betty Neuman, it emphasizes teaching theory and serves as a system for instructing nursing students.
Robert E. Stake's Countenance Evaluation Model supports formal rather than informal evaluation and utilizes judgment and description of the evaluated program. Using the matrix of description and the matrix of judgment, information can be collected and studied. Stake's evaluation model has been seen as a fundamental resource for evaluating complex organizations, particularly academia.