Preview

Transpersonal Care for the Dying

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1771 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Transpersonal Care for the Dying
Caring for terminal patients near the end of life is a practical matter than extends far beyond the skills learned in clinical practice and being a competent nurse. It is based on a level of interaction with another human being that transcends the self and attempts to heal on a non-physical plane. The type of caring involved in developing an effective relationship, as a nurse, with a person facing death is most clearly defined by Jean Watson. Watson developed a theory of nursing based on caring. It is a theory embedded in art and science, but also includes elements of spirituality and dimensions of mind-body-spirit. Watson challenges the nurse to examine one’s own humanistic values, encouraging the process of self-actualization for the nurse while providing care to other beings. Watson (2003) believes it is necessary to be consistently engaged in the care and also reflective of one’s own humanity and spirituality. Watson is one of the few theorists who considers the well-being of not only the cared-for, but also the caregiver. Promoting the caring values as set forth by Watson enables the nurse to find deeper meaning in his or her life and work. According to Watson (2001), the major elements of her theory are (a) the carative factors, (b) the transpersonal caring relationship, and (c) the caring occasion/caring moment. Watson uses the term “carative” instead of the medical terminology “curative” to highlight the idea that her nursing theory revolves around the science of caring. The following are Watson’s (2001) translation of the carative factors into clinical caritas processes: 1) Practice of loving kindness and equanimity within context of caring consciousness.2) Being authentically present, and enabling and sustaining the deep belief system and subjective life world of self and the one-being-cared-for. 3) Cultivation of one’s own spiritual practices and transpersonal self, going beyond ego self, opening to others with sensitivity and


References: Clukey, L. (2007). Just be there: hospice caregivers anticipatory mourning experience. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 9(3), 150-158. Hermann, C. P. (2007). The degree to which spiritual needs of patients near the end of life are met. Oncology Nursing Forum, 34(1), 70-78. Prince-Paul, M. (2008). Relationships among communicative acts, social well-being, and spiritual well-being on the quality of life at the end of life in patients with cancer enrolled in hospice. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 11(1), 20-25. Thacker, K. S. (2008). Nurses advocacy behaviors in end-of-life nursing care. Nursing Ethics, 15(2), 174-185. Watson, J. (2003). Love and caring: ethics of face and hand -- an invitation to return to the heart and soul of nursing and our deep humanity. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 27(3), 197-202. Watson, J. (2001). Jean Watson: Theory of human caring. In M.E. Parker (Ed.), Nursing theories and nursing practice (pp. 343-354). Philadelphia: Davis.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring, (Rev. Ed.). Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado.…

    • 2220 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Jean Watson refers to the human being as “a valued person in and of him or herself to be cared for, respected, nutured, understood and assisted; in general a philosophical view of a person as a fully functional integrated self. Human is viewed as greater than and different from the sum of his or her parts” (Watson, 1979). Her theory and concepts focus on the relationship between patient and nurse and the promotion of unity and harmony within the mind, body, and soul. According to Watson, caring which is manifested in nursing has existed in every society. However a caring attitude is not…

    • 2475 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Watson’s theory of caring is associated with attitudes and behaviors that are related to one’s will, intention, or an obligation that displays itself in their behavioral acts (1985). Watson’s theory has ten interventions characterized as Carative Factors that centers on helping people across the life course. The manifestations that were associated with the Carative Factors were include manifested as having a higher degree of harmony within their minds, bodies, and souls. Watson’s 10 Carative Factors include: (1) Establishing a humanistic-unselfish system of values, (2) Inspiring faith-hope to increase well-being, (3) Promoting sensitivity to self and others, (4) Building a helping-trusting, human care relationship (5) Stimulating a safe…

    • 168 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    A terminal illness can have a devastating effect, not only on the patient, but the family as well. Caring for the patient does not just involve physically caring for the patient, but rather involves the holistic care, which is “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal” (American Holistic Nurses’ Association, 1998). The nurse becomes the therapeutic partner, which involves the care of the mind, body, and spirit, and is at the forefront of this care. It involves the patient and the care of the family during this difficult time.…

    • 1460 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Kaiser's Caring Model

    • 595 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Caring, central to nursing practice as it promotes patient health outcome spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Society sees nursing as a caring profession and it is also a reason why many of us chose this career path. Caring is one of the main reason why I decided to pursue nursing as my profession. Earlier this year in my intro to nursing class, I presented on the Watson’s Caring theory for our class project. It was also where I discovered that Kaiser Permanente whom shares the same belief model. Kaiser integrated the model of Caring Science, also known as the Watson’s theory into their nursing practice. Kaiser’s belief model is the ideal work environment that shares my core values about nursing. It is important to recognize future employer’s values because it is the framework that guides their practice in the clinical setting. Leading to the concept…

    • 595 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Jean Watson

    • 1035 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Jean Watsons Theory of Caring has become essential in nursing. Caring is at the core of nursing and is vital in providing positive patient outcomes. Watson’s theory is based upon human caring relationships and experiences in human life. She acknowledges a caring relationship and caring environment preserve human dignity, wholeness, and integrity and to restore the person’s harmony it is the nurse’s responsibility to assist an individual to establish meaning in illness and suffering (Cara, 2008). Nurses have a responsibility to evaluate the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well- being.…

    • 1035 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Hat2 Task 1

    • 1520 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Future needs for care provision due to terminal prognosis. |Terminal condition with expected physical deterioration|Patient to provide self care safely with minimal assistance. Patient to assist with self care when condition initially begins to deteriorate and continue as long as she is able.Provisions to be in place for patient’s personal care when patient is no longer able to assist. |Physical therapy to assist patient with strengthening to increase activity tolerance. Occupational therapy to teach adaptive methods of providing personal care to patient and family. Occupational therapy to evaluate home environment for safety hazards and assess for need for adaptive equipment. Psychological needs to be addressed by pastoral care, social worker and psychiatrist to improve emotional status and extend amount of time patient able to remain independent. Hospice to provide nursing assistant as condition progresses to help with ADL’s. Nurse to teach family how to assist patient with activities of daily living as needed. Respite care to be provided by hospice agency to prevent caregivers from being overwhelmed physically and emotionally.…

    • 1520 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Watson's Theory

    • 1717 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Jean Watson’s Carative Nursing Theory is a balance of developing a caring relationship between nurse and patient, and the curative factor of the medical aspect of nursing. Watson’s theory is based on ten clinical caritas processes of mindful and genuine caring activities.…

    • 1717 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Final Gifts Research Paper

    • 1713 Words
    • 7 Pages

    It is portrayed badly in media, as a sad and painful event. They seek to change the stereotypes of death, to educate the reader, help them face their own death or that of a loved one. Hospice care looks to alleviate the physical pain of the terminally ill, however emotional distress should not be overlooked. Unresolved conflicts with loved ones need to be addressed, sometimes with one’s faith or “God” as well. Once healing of relationships is attempted or obtained, the dying rest knowing nothing was left unsettled in their lives. Families witness their loved one able to pass in peace and tranquility, making the loss that much easier to cope with. Callanan summarizes the process as such, “By listening and understanding these messages, we are given unique opportunities to prepare ourselves for their loss, to deal with our fears of dying, to use well the time that is left, and to participate more significantly in this life event”. (Callanan & Kelley, p.…

    • 1713 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    This model helps to establish a trusting rapport between you and the patient. When dealing with patients on an everyday basis the nurse is the one who interacts with the patient the most and sets the tone for the relationship. Compassion and human touch are necessary for positive patient outcomes. Following this module reminds me and helps me to improve my delivery of care by allowing patients to communicate feelings while I actively listen to their needs. When I enter a patient’s room I survey the scene or take a holistic approach. I want to let this patient know I care about all of their needs and not just the medical concerns. The theory states “interconnectedness of one human touching or caring for another is a carative factor which promotes restoration of health and equilibrium” (Cherry & Jacob, 2011). After I introduce myself to the patient I immediately ask them how they are feeling or if there is anything that they are concerned about. I feel this gives the patient the opportunity to discuss concerns and allows time for therapeutic communication establishing a trusting nurse to patient environment. Watson’s carative factors help with caring or maintaining health even when a patient is terminal. I instill this theory through offering chaplin services to patients or assistance finding mental support for those that are terminal. I come in contact with many different cultures…

    • 2093 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Assessment Tool Analysis

    • 1224 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring also called Theory of Human Caring or The Caring Model was developed in 1979. Jean Watson defines caring as a science. Watson’s caring theory Cara (n.d.), “allows nurses to practice the art of caring, to provide compassion to ease patients’ and families’ suffering, and to expand the nurse’s own actualization” (para. 7). According to Watson (2001), the major elements of the Theory of Human Caring are…

    • 1224 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    End Of Life Care

    • 998 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Throughout the course, it has become increasingly clearer how healthcare professionals play in to the role of end-of-life care for patients. Although I have not chosen a path in hospice or palliative care, it has become evident that end-of-life cares will be part of my nursing career regardless. As a nursing professional, it is important to remain a patient advocate throughout the end-of-life care process by ensuring ethical decision-making, continuing effective communication, and providing best practice and advice for pain and symptom management.…

    • 998 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Each patient has their own set of values that are important to them, their own perspectives on life and death, their own belief system, and their own personal needs. According to one of my patients (Anna), holistic communication is the most important to her because she feels a connection with a nurse that is attentive to her emotional needs. “I know that I am terminally ill, however I do not want to be defined by my illness. I appreciate the time nurses take to sit down and really listen to me. I need to share my thoughts on life, death, fears, and also my hopes (Anna, 2011). This is an example of “a caring moment”, in which the individual experiences the nurse’s presence as authentic, caring, compassionate, and sincere.…

    • 1179 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    In great detail, she outlines her major conceptual elements and dynamic aspects of her theory. The original ten carative factors are noted and then, she describes how they evolved into the clinical caritas and caritas processes. From this, Watson considers her work more of a philosopher than a specific theory. The transpersonal caring relationship and the caring moment are foundations of her work. Watson’s original caring model has evolved into a philosophical and moral foundation for…

    • 2369 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essay On End Of Life Care

    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages

    End of life care is one of the most taboo topics in American society as it requires those involved to acknowledge that their lives will eventually come to an end. Planning for such an outcome can be difficult but ultimately it is necessary in order to save others from dealing with the burden of end of life care while unprepared. As a nurse it is especially important to have a firm grasp of the many different factors that weigh in decisions related to end of life care and be ready to assist both the patient and his or her family in any way needed when that time may come. A careful examination of the resources available in a community to assist with this care, the gaps in care prevalent in American society today, the cultural…

    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays

Related Topics