Model is a scientific thinking and operation method. It can provide guideline for resolving some nursing practice problems, and improve the quality of nursing service. Research on nursing model has received more and more attention. This paper analyzes the concept, classification, and development of the model, and describes its application in research on nursing model. According to background and research problem, researchers should analyze the characteristics of different methods of development and validation of model, and choose the approprate method. Thus, it can improve the scientificity and operability of results of nursing model.