Jean Watson's Theory
Jean Watson 's Theory of Human Caring
Jenessa M. Kofford
NUR/403
June 4, 2012
Jean Watson 's Theory of Human Caring
Jean Watson researched and developed her Theory of Human Caring in 1979. Her theory has expanded since 1979, but the principles of the theory have remained the same. Watson created this theory to promote the heart of nursing, the central act of caring that is an integral part of the health care system; caring is the heart of nursing, the elemental act that personifies nursing. Caring is the key to the “essence” of nursing. It is a common human bond or connection that a nurse has with a patient. Caring is only effective when practiced interpersonally. Cultivating and nourishing a caring demeanor and approach in nursing is encouraged. Watson believes that caring is the signature of a true nurse’s identity. According to Health Systems (2011), Watson believes that Florence Nightingale appeared to agree in her statement, “It is the surgeon who saves a person’s life …….it is the nurse who helps this person live” (Overview of Jean Watson 's Theory). According to Norred (2000), “Conventional medicine has become increasingly technological, centering on treatment to cure disease with medications and surgery. In contrast, the caring approaches of nursing focuses on conscious compassionate skills that help patients achieve a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit” (p. 838).
Finding opportunities for quality nurse/patient teaching moments is an essential task in nursing. When given a chance, a nurse should spend uninterrupted time with patients. Making contact is not just attending to the physical needs of the patient; it is listening, holding a patient’s hand, showing the patient through actions that you are there to help. Many times when a nurse enters a patient’s room, there is an immediate expectation. With health care needs so complex today it is imperative that nurses take the time when possible to show patients we care about them. Nurses
Jenessa M. Kofford
NUR/403
June 4, 2012
Jean Watson 's Theory of Human Caring
Jean Watson researched and developed her Theory of Human Caring in 1979. Her theory has expanded since 1979, but the principles of the theory have remained the same. Watson created this theory to promote the heart of nursing, the central act of caring that is an integral part of the health care system; caring is the heart of nursing, the elemental act that personifies nursing. Caring is the key to the “essence” of nursing. It is a common human bond or connection that a nurse has with a patient. Caring is only effective when practiced interpersonally. Cultivating and nourishing a caring demeanor and approach in nursing is encouraged. Watson believes that caring is the signature of a true nurse’s identity. According to Health Systems (2011), Watson believes that Florence Nightingale appeared to agree in her statement, “It is the surgeon who saves a person’s life …….it is the nurse who helps this person live” (Overview of Jean Watson 's Theory). According to Norred (2000), “Conventional medicine has become increasingly technological, centering on treatment to cure disease with medications and surgery. In contrast, the caring approaches of nursing focuses on conscious compassionate skills that help patients achieve a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit” (p. 838).
Finding opportunities for quality nurse/patient teaching moments is an essential task in nursing. When given a chance, a nurse should spend uninterrupted time with patients. Making contact is not just attending to the physical needs of the patient; it is listening, holding a patient’s hand, showing the patient through actions that you are there to help. Many times when a nurse enters a patient’s room, there is an immediate expectation. With health care needs so complex today it is imperative that nurses take the time when possible to show patients we care about them. Nurses
References: Douglas, K. (2010, December). When Caring Stops, Staffing Doesn 't Really Matter. Nursing Economics, 28(6), 415-419. Health Systems. (2011). Overview of Jean Watson’s Theory. Innovative Care Models McNamara, S.A. (1995, February). Perioperative Nurses ' Perception of Caring Practices. AORN Journal, 61(2), 377-388. Norred, C.L. (2000, November). Minimizing Pre-operative Anxiety with Alternative Caring-Healing Therapies Self Care Academy. (2010) Compassion fatigue. Retrieved from http://www.selfcareacademy.com/self-careacademy/compassionfatigue.htm Watson Caring Science Institute. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.watsoncaringscience.org