Watson’s caring philosophy is used to guide transformative models of caring and healing practices for nurses, different healthcare professionals, caregivers and patients worldwide. Watson believes that it is possible to read, study, learn, research, teach about the theory, but to truly understand one has to personally experience it. (Sitzman & Watson, 2014). According to Jean Watson health is defined as high level of physical, social and mental functioning. Watson indicates throughout her work that all human beings have inherent needs to participate in caring exchanges, both as giver and receiver and that nursing holds the essence of this fundamental need.
She evidently highlights six key actions that assist nurses to easily expand and attend to human care (Cheng, 2006). The ultimate aim of this context is to examine Jean Watson’s theory of caring and its implications for both patients and nurses. This paper begins by outlining the overview of the theory before looking at how she brought out the idea of caring moment and how it can apply to daily lives of people (Potter & Perry, 1999). In 1979 Watson’s established the theory of human caring also called theory of transpersonal caring or the caring model. The theory has undergone evolution for several years, but its root principal remains outstanding.
The nurse can either help or interfere with the patient’s healing process, depending on how this nurse-patient relationship is developed and followed through. Watson’s theory helps nurses examine themselves and their patients on a holistic level - mentally, physically, and spiritually. “In Watson’s theory, nursing is centered around helping the patient achieve a higher degree of harmony within mind, body, and soul, and this harmony is achieved through caring transactions involving a transpersonal caring relationship” (Suliman, Welmann, Omer, and Thomas, 2009, p 293). This
They can ensure smooth handoffs as the patient transitions through the continuum. They often prevent medication errors, reduce infection rates and facilitate patient transitions from hospital to home. (Howell, 2013) Nurses at every level take a leadership role through knowledge and caring. Demonstrating understanding of the person, health and environment helps to drive nursing practice and patient care. (AONE, 2010) Leadership is not just managing but facilitating.
2. Caring consists of carative factors that result in the satisfaction of certain human needs. 3. Effective caring promotes health and individual or family growth. 4.
Sharing this experiences that explore each person's view and spirit leading to a discovery of self to word wholeness of "mind, body, and spirit." This moment of caring is the core of concepts Watson's theory. It is true in order to have healthy environment or interaction; the mind has to be free of worries, stressors. The body has feel accepted, and the spirit has to be open suggestions views. This caring moment will enhance or promote healthy trusting relationship. "
Even though nurses work together as a unit, it always helps to have a leader. The leader is a more experienced nurse then other member of the nursing team. This gives other nurses someone to look up to and feel comfortable going to during a difficult situation and when you need assistance. Leadership Transitioning In the article The Future of Nursing Leadership: A Commentary, by Kenneth R. White, FACHE, he describes how nursing leaders play a larger role then only on the units. According to White, K. R. (2014) “Nurse were the original servant leaders—at the patient’s beside and in communities- and now they are perfectly positioned to take their experience with leadership to a heightened level.
Listening and understanding how the patient is feeling and why the patient are reacting to the moment the way they are will lead to a better understanding and empathy. 4. Helping-trust relationships: Develop a helping-trusting relationship by using congruence, warmth, and empathy. 5. Acceptance of feeling, both positive and negative: Accepting of others feelings can lead to understanding.
Watson’s Theory of Human Caring Theories and Models of Nursing Practice/403 August 3, 2015 Watson’s Theory of Human Caring Throughout each nurse’s career, many theories and models have directed the individual practices throughout every specific field of nursing. One of the theories that not only directs a nurse’s practice, but also continues to be a positive influence to the practice is Watson’s theory of human caring. The utilization of Watson’s theory of human caring is extremely relevant within the critical care arena, specifically because of the high acuity of the patient population. The practical application of this theory is explored utilizing several important elements to describe a personal interaction between the patient populations. The Caring Moment Defined Watson (2012) defines the caring moment as, “An actual caring moment occasion involves action and choice both by the nurse and the individual.
Bringing together education and healing was a life-changing experience that made me realize that nursing is my true calling. Traditionally, nurses were viewed as caregivers. In today’s world, image of nursing profession changes as nurses play many other roles such as patient’s advocates, educators, managers, team members, facilitators, and experts. (Zerwekh, 2006). As I read the entries from my reflective journal, I could see how my focus shifted from assisting patient with his basic needs at the beginning of the nursing school to more comprehensive nursing care today.