According to Alligood (2010), “the formation of a humanistic-altruistic system of values, the instillation of faith-hope, the cultivation of sensitivity to one’s self and to others, and the development of a helping-trusting relationship” (p. 113) are the four carative factors. Watson’s theory teaches the nurse how to search within herself to ask the question what is the true caring? Watson’s theory focuses on genuine nursing care that consists of respect and valuing another
Theoretical Basis: Watson's Theory of Human Caring An advanced practice nurse (APN) to help guide professional practice and provide a working framework can use many different theories and models. Theories provide a foundation in which an APN can seek to understand patients and their problems and effectively plan interventions. Basing our practice on a particular theory can help improve the care we provide by not only providing structure but also providing boundaries and goals for our nursing actions and it defines a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions we provide (Eldridge, 2014). This paper is going to review Watson’s theory of human caring and provide a description of the interrelated concepts for the grand nursing theory. The theorist’s background and perspectives will be explained and lastly the theory will be discussed as to how it can serve as an underpinning and improve nursing practice.
Discuss the importance of dignity, autonomy and respect in the pursuit of person-centred nursing care. Throughout this assignment the importance of patient care will be discussed, and will be particularly focusing on dignity, autonomy and respect in the pursuit of person-centred nursing care. The assignment will also look at other aspects of care such as ethics, communication, health and wellness and reflection as these are important contributing factors in how nurse’s achieve person-centred care. The Royal College of Nursing suggests person-centred care involves treating all patients equally and of worth, with respect and ensuring they are active in decision-making about their care (Royal College of Nursing 2009). Dignity is an important part of achieving person-centred care as, stated above by the RCN, patients need to feel like they are being listened to and made to feel like any decisions regarding their care are their choice.
Client Advocacy Zhanxinyang Client Advocacy Zhanxin Yang Advocacy is defined as the act of speaking for another or acting in their best interests. In a nursing field, advocacy means that the nurse acts for and on behalf of the client. To be an advocate for a client the nurse must ensure that the client is provided with adequate and accurate information relating to his care. The nurse must support the client in any informed decisions he makes about his care. In this way the nurse meets the ethical requirement of honoring a client’s right to self-determination (Funnel, Koutoukidis, & Lawrence, 2009).
I will be able to understand that the interests of the patient are primary in my career. I will need to include the patient in the planning of care provision and ensure that there is no conflict of interest, enhance collaboration and create professional boundaries at all times. I will be keen on bringing in key professional traits from the American Nurse Association’ code of ethics. One of the key traits is being responsible to the public and as such I should be aware of any health threats to the public (Reed, 2006). The second trait is the facilitation of a healthy work environment based on moral virtues and values.
She is a nurse, writer, professor, and a theorist. The death of her husband made her develop the caring theory. The basis of Watson’s theory is caring for the person holistically. Watson supports the idea of humanistic and holistic care; focus is on “caring”, promoting health, and preventing illness (Duncan & DePew, 2005). Watson also characterizes nursing as a healing art and science dedicate to the pursuit of harmonious and sacred relationships (George, 2011).
In order for a nurse to deliver patient focused care, they must first develop an effective nurse-patient relationship with the service users that they care for. This is important in order to ensure that the highest quality of care is provided to the patient. As, according to Sheldon (2009), a nurse-patient relationship is based upon the commitment of a nurse to work alongside their patient’s, in order to deliver personal and effective care which meets the identified health needs. Patient focused care involves the patient and nurse working together as a partnership and places the patient and their relatives central to decision making in regards to the planning, implementation and assessment of care. An equal nurse-patient relationship is important in order to ensure that safe, effective and personal health care is delivered and that the patients’ needs are appropriately met (The Health Foundation, 2012).
Though not all of these characteristics apply, “the practice of caring is central to nursing” (Current Nursing, 2012, para. 2). Documentation is an essential portion of providing safe, quality care for the patient. It allows the nurse to describe what is being done with the patient, what needs to be done, and what the goals are for that individual, much like that described by Watson. Components of good documentation are the same as Watson’s theory and nursing process; assessment, plan of action, intervention, and evaluation.
Neal (2003) cited in Hinchliff et al (2003) states that a therapeutic relationship can be described as being between nurse and patient and is based on the patient’s needs for care, assistance and guidance. It is a relationship that is established solely to meet the needs of the patient and therefore, is therapeutic in nature. I felt that it was very important to develop a therapeutic relationship with my patient in order that they could feel that they could put their trust in me and that I was there to talk and listen to them, and not just in a caring capacity. Therefore there is a great need for good interpersonal skills to be able to achieve a therapeutic relationship. Cutliff (2005) states that you can gain comfort from drawing on your interpersonal skills by having strength and endurance, feeling self confident and brave, having sufficient competence, feeling independent, being at peace and at ease with oneself and also having a sense of being valued and useful.
In the nursing profession, moral responsibility is perceived as a relation way of being that involves guidance by an individual’s inner compass that is comprised of values, ideals, and standards that motivate individuals to uphold what is right. Moral responsibility is crucial in the sense that it determines the manner in which a nurse cares, and attends to the patients. Generally, moral responsibility ensures that a nurse meets the set objectives that aim at administering paramount medical care to patients (Driscoll & Breshears, 2011). The doctrine has further augmented my level of moral responsibility. I feel that I am accountable and responsible for ensuring, and upholding the moral well-being of my patients.