Theory Of Caring In Nursing: Jean Watson By Yesabel Gonzalez ✓ Solved
Theory Of Caring In Nursing: Jean Watson By: Yesabel Gonzalez
Background information on the nurse theorist, Jean Watson.
Overview of the nursing theory.
Relationship among the concepts of person, environment, health, and nursing as explained by the nursing theory.
How this nursing theory most closely represents my view of nursing.
How this theory can be applied to professional nursing care for individuals and groups of clients.
Introduction to Jean Watson
Jean Watson, a prominent nurse theorist, began her nursing career in 1961 and has since made significant contributions to the discipline of nursing through her extensive education and research. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in nursing, followed by a Master’s in psychiatric and mental health nursing. In 1973, she completed her Doctorate in educational psychology. Throughout her career, Watson has received numerous accolades, including fifteen honorary Doctoral degrees and twelve international honorary doctorates, highlighting her impact on the field (Jean Watson Short Biography, 2019).
Overview of Watson's Theory of Caring
Developed in 1975, Jean Watson's Theory of Caring emphasizes four major concepts: human being, health, nursing, and environment/society. Watson's framework emerged from her personal experiences in nursing combined with academic insights, particularly in social psychology. She advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare, asserting that caring practices distinguish nursing as both a professional and scientific discipline (Watson's Philosophy, 2020).
Watson defines each key concept in her theory. The "human being" embodies a valued person deserving of respect and care. "Health" is understood as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. "Nursing" is characterized as a science aimed at facilitating human experiences regarding health and illness through ethical and compassionate interactions. The environmental context is shaped by ten carative factors that underline the nurse's role in caring (Holy, Sitzman & Hardin, 2019).
The Ten Carative Factors
The ten carative factors introduced by Watson support the concept of caring in nursing. These factors include:
- Forming humanistic-altruistic value systems
- Instilling faith and hope
- Cultivating sensitivity to self and others
- Developing helping-trust relationships
- Promoting expression of feelings
- Using problem-solving for decision-making
- Promoting teaching and learning
- Creating supportive environments
- Assisting with the gratification of human needs
- Allowing for existential-phenomenological forces
These carative factors facilitate enriching interactions between nurses and patients, enhancing the overall caring experience (Pajnkihar, Stiglic & Vrbnjak, 2017). Watson later advanced her framework by establishing ten caritas processes, which further clarify how nurses can embody these principles in practice.
Personal Reflection on Nursing and Watson's Theory
From a young age, I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing, influenced by my mother's dedication to the field. My journey affirmed that nursing is not merely a profession but a calling that demands compassion and dedication. Watson's theory aligns with my views on nursing, as I resonate with her carative factors. Building trusting relationships with patients is paramount; I have prioritized communication and education in my practice. For instance, I emphasize the importance of teaching patients about their medications and treatments, fostering a collaborative learning environment that empowers them (Holy, Sitzman & Hardin, 2019).
Application of Watson's Theory in Professional Nursing Care
The application of Watson's theory to professional nursing care extends beyond individual interactions to incorporate group dynamics and community health. Within patient care, employing the carative factors enhances empathy and understanding, thus improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes. In group settings, such as community health initiatives, the principles of creating supportive environments and promoting teaching and learning can significantly contribute to community well-being.
For example, in a community health workshop, nurses can implement Watson's principles by instilling hope through motivational speaking and facilitating discussions that address participants' health concerns. By fostering an environment of openness and trust, nurses can effectively educate community members on health topics, demonstrating the holistic model Watson champions (Pajnkihar, Stiglic & Vrbnjak, 2017).
Conclusion
Jean Watson's Theory of Caring offers a comprehensive framework that integrates the concepts of human being, health, nursing, and environment in a meaningful way. It reinforces the necessity of compassionate care in nursing practice. My alignment with Watson's principles shapes my nursing philosophy, resonating with my belief in the importance of holistic, patient-centered care. Through continuous application of these carative factors, nurses can enhance their practice and positively impact their patients and communities.
References
- Holy Wei, Fazzone, P. A., Sitzman, K., & Hardin, S. R. (2019). The Current Intervention Studies Based on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring: A Systematic Review. International Journal for Human Caring, 23(1), 4–22.
- Jean Watson Short Biography. (2019). Watson Caring Science Institute. Retrieved from [URL]
- Pajnkihar, M., Stiglic, G., & Vrbnjak, D. (2017). The concept of Watson's carative factors in nursing and their harmony with patient satisfaction. PeerJ, 5, e2940.
- Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring. (2020). Nursing Theory. Retrieved from [URL]
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