Dr. Neuman saw the nurse-patient relationship as a system which should be kept in a steady state, or balance. However, Neuman recognized that various influences, called "stressors," disrupted the relationship between the nurse and the patient.
Neuman argues that there are many known, unknown, and universal stressors. However, the major known stressors are loss, pain, sensory deprivation, or cultural change. (see reference 2)
Neuman, in her model, refers to the patient as a "client" or "client system." Each client system is a unique composite of common known factors or innate characteristics that respond within an established range to a basic structure.
According to Neuman, stressor prevention through intervention is a key to client wellness. Interventions should begin as soon as a risk factor or stressor is suspected or identified, before a negative client response occurs.
Dr. Neuman believes that her model can accommodate future changes in health care delivery, according to Parker. The model has implications for the role of nursing in world catastrophic events.