Application of theory to practice; Jean Watson Caring Theory
Discuss how the theory might be used to support nursing practice (clinical, education, or administration). Include in the discussion the purpose of the practice application and how the concept of interest might be operationally defined in practice. Provide an example of how you might use the theoretical and operational definitions of your concept of interest in your future practice or research. Include a potential research or practice question based on the propositions of your theory.
on Jean Watson Caring theory/ Secondary sources such as, textbooks, literature reviews, systematic reviews, dissertations and concept analyses are NOT to be used. Only primary sources and empirical research articles are to be used for this assignment/ No more than 2 quotes max
ANSWER
Application of theory to practice; Jean Watson Caring Theory
Nursing practice has changed over the years, with nurses focuses on the well-being and health of patients. Considerably, caring is the root of nursing since it focuses on regenerating potentiates and life energies to patients. The benefits of caring have been immeasurable since they offer a beneficial experience for both the patient and the health team. Watson developed that has been used over the years to guide the caring of patients. This paper will focus on the application of Watson’s human caring theory in nursing practice.
Watson established the human caring theory to guide nurses in caring for human beings. The theory pays attention to the human component of caring and the daily encounters between the nurse and the patient, especially the caring activities performed by the nurses as they interact with the patients (Sitzman and Watson, 2018). Considerably, caring has been the foundation of nursing and the fundamental component of nursing over generations. However, not everyone understands what it means to fully care for a patient. Watson’s human caring theory has been used to offer nurses guidance on creating a caring attitude. The theory has created a holistic approach to nursing care and the promotion of better health. The three main elements that Watson’s theory focuses on are transpersonal caring relationships, carative factors, and caring moments (Sitzman and Watson, 2018).
According to the theory, carative factors are concepts that can be applied to satisfy human needs. There are ten carative factors which have been utilized in the caring process, developing humanistic-altruistic value systems, creating a help trust connection, being sensitive to self and others, relying on problem-solving in decision making, allowing expression of feelings, creating a supportive environment, permitting existential-phenomenological forces, allowing teaching-learning and helping with the gratification of human needs (Sitzman and Watson, 2018). The carative factors have enabled the nurses to care for patients and examine themselves in the caring process. Relatively, the guidelines have enabled the nurses to achieve the patient’s basic needs and more advanced needs. Therefore, nurses have been able to integrate all aspects of life while providing patient care.
Transpersonal care happens when the nurses view the patients as individuals but not objects. Nurses who practice transpersonal care have shown their genuine desire to focus on intentionality and mindfulness on caring, totality, and healing rather than the disease, ailment, and pathology. Through transpersonal care, nurses have been able to involve their emotions in the caring bond, not being restricted by the emotional and spiritual understandings while looking after the health and physical demands of the patient (Watson and Sitzman, 2018). Transpersonal caring has been presented as a means of offering compassionate care required for the patients. Transpersonal care has enabled the patients to achieve a complete sense of harmony within the body, mind, and spirit through utilizing caring approaches.
Caring moments focus on human to human interactions during care (Watson and Sitzman, 2018). This is the moment where the patient and the nurse interact and connect in the nursing practice. Caring moment involves choices and actions utilized to bring a connection between the caregiver and the patient. The caring moment has been effective in creating a moment of healing due to the human connection.
Watson’s theory is essential in both nursing administration and practice. The theory’s application has improved an understanding of how nursing works to improve care and manage nursing problems (Norman, Rossillo, and Skelton, 2016). Watson focuses on a holistic treatment approach, which entails treating the soul, spirit, and body. The concept of Watson’s Theory of human caring can be used in developing positive outcomes for a patient and families suffering from post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The theory focuses on the Caritas process, which focuses on transpersonal aspects and caring moments in the healing process. The theory’s core concepts can create a positive outcome for the post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) through increasing chances for positive healing. Watson’s Caritas processes can cure post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) outcomes by improved interaction during the caring practice. This is because the theory offers a foundation to establish a caring relationship and love between the patient and nurse.
In future research, the operational and theoretical definitions of Watson’s theory of human caring will be used to examine the effectiveness of caring attributes in daily nursing practice and quality of care. Nurse caring is one of the practices that need more research and attention. Ideally, quality care has been a fundamental value of nursing. Utilizing caring behaviors enables the patients to achieve harmony in body, mind, and spirit. In previous studies, nurse caring has influenced patient satisfaction and perception of care. Patient satisfaction can be linked to the quality of care. Quality of care is essential since it significantly influences the health outcomes and factors linked to patient satisfaction, such as feeling cared for, responsiveness, and empathy. The patient’s perception of care is influenced by the caring behaviors and actions possessed by the nurses. The potential research question is: What is the effect of Watson’s human caring theory on quality of care during health care intervention.
Conclusion
Developing skills and knowledge to implement caring practice is essential since it benefits patients, nurses, and families. Watson’s human caring theory has been used in reinforcing the idea that caring should be at the center of every action and decision that nurses make in the caring process. The theory has on offering care through the use of interventions and knowledge that promotes healing and health. The major concepts of Watson’s Theory have emphasized care that attends to physical and emotional needs in the caring process.
References
Norman, V., Rossillo, K., & Skelton, K. (2016). Creating healing environments through the theory of caring. AORN Journal, 104(5), 401-409.
Sitzman, K., & Watson, J. (2018). Caring science, mindful practice: Implementing Watson’s human caring theory. Springer Publishing Company.
Watson, J., & Sitzman, K. (2018). Caring Science, Mindful practice. Implementing Watson’s Human Caring Theory, op. Cit, 41-42.
