Jean Watsons Carative Nursing Theory - Research Paper Example

Jean Watson’s Carative Nursing Theory Introduction There are different theories on the practice of nursing and on the delivery of nursing care. These theories formulate theoretical support for the delivery of health care. This paper shall discuss Jean Watson’s carative nursing theory. It shall briefly describe the background of the theory, and then describe the concepts surrounding her theory. It shall also apply theory to actual nurse/patient interactions as well as analyze the major theoretical assumptions in relation to person, health, nursing, and the environment in the context of the carative theory. This study is being conducted in the hope of establishing a better and more comprehensive understanding of the theory and the concepts which surround it. Discussion Jean Watson’s theory is also known as the theory of human caring or the “Caring Model.” This theory emphasizes the human aspects of nursing in relation to scientific knowledge (Vanguard Health Systems, n.d). Watson believes that caring is a major endorsement of the identity of professional nurses and that such identity if based on “caring.” Watson’s theory is very much supported by Nightingale who, at one point, expressed that while “it is the surgeon who saves a person’s life…it is [however] the nurse who helps the person live” (Vanguard Health Systems, n.d). According to Watson, the role of the nurse is to formulate a caring relationship with the patient; to treat patients as holistic beings (mind, body, and spirit); to display unconditional acceptance; to treat patients with positive regard; to promote health through knowledge and intervention; and to spend uninterrupted time with patients (Vanguard Health Systems, n.d). She also believes that with the nurse’s attitude and competence, the patient’s world can become larger or smaller; brighter or drab; rich or dull; and threatening or secure (Vanguard Health Systems, n.d). In the actual nurse/patient interaction, a nurse may ask the patient the following questions: (1) Tell me about yourself?; (2) Tell me about your life experiences?; (3) Tell me about your bodily sensations?; (4) Tell me about your spiritual and cultural beliefs?; or (5) Tell me about your goals and expectations? (Cara, 2003). These questions help to guide individuals into sharing their life story and their experiences. By asking patients these questions, it is possible to slowly and gradually establish information about these patients which can later be used in order to conceptualize the types and plans of care. These questions also help identify traumatic events in the patient’s life which can be used to guide the nurses in their delivery of appropriate care. Theoretical assumptions Assumptions based on Watson’s theory of caring sets forth that humans cannot be treated as objects; that they cannot be separated from self, others, nature, and the larger universe; and that there is a sacredness of life in all living things (Lynch, et.al., 2008). In other words, humans must be treated with utmost respect and consideration and that the care delivered in their favor must be based on their personal needs and preferences, not based on fixed standards of care which may or may not effectively address patient needs (Sitzman, 2002). In effect, care must be patient-centered and evidence-based – supported by enough research to fulfill widespread applicability according to patient needs and preferences (Sitzman, 2002). Other assumptions in relation to Watson’s theory is the fact that care and love are the most universal, tremendous, and mysterious of cosmic forces and they comprise primal and universal psychic energy (Lynch, et.al., 2008). This assumption sets forth that care and love are two concepts which can be understood by all people, regardless of language, age, or racial barriers. A gentle touch and a kind word is something which can be understood by all people (Watson, 1990). Assuming that such actions can cut through language or gender barriers, the best course of actions in the general practice can return to these basic concepts of care. In times when there are language or gender barriers involving patients and nurses, allowing caring attitudes to infiltrate the nursing practice are important additions to effective delivery of nursing care. Since nursing is a profession of caring, its capability of maintaining its ideal in the practice will impact the human development of civilization and impact on the nurse’s contribution to the general population. Watson’s theory also assumes that caring is the essence of nursing and the most important focus for nursing practice (Lynch, et.al., 2008). Watson presents different ways to blend the highly technical aspects of the practice with the more human practices of caring. In other words, caring is an important need for the patient – a need which can often make a difference in the patient’s well-being. “Caring underpins continuity of care while continuity of care reinforces caring” (Brown, et.al., 2005). It is a cycle which is persistent and is essential in the delivery of care. Love and caring are strong elements which help reinforce the nurse’s role in the patient’s life. They strongly define the soul of the patient facilitator. Watson discusses that in the framework of caring and love, “we now have a new call to bring us back to that which resides deep within us, and intersects with the focus of this time and place to uncover the latent love in our caring work as well as connect us with contemporary philosophies that invite love and caring through our ethics of being-becoming” (Brown, et.al., 2005). It is also love which keeps the nurse and the patient connected with each other and which helps sustain their humanity on an even deeper level of caring. Caring can also only be effectively illustrated and practiced interpersonally and that effective caring can help achieve health and individual or family growth (Lynch, et.al., 2008). Caring cannot be delivered impersonally. It cannot be rendered without personal and face-to-face connections between the patient and the nurse. Caring is after all often associated with physical touching and a kind word. Its effectiveness is also based on sincerity on the part of the nurse (Watson, n.d). It is about the genuine care which the nurse is willing to render to the patient. All in all, Watson emphasizes that a caring environment offers a scenario where potentials may be developed while also allowing a person to choose the appropriate action for himself at any given time (Lynch, et.al., 2008). Watson’s carative factors 1. Humanistic factor Caring is based on a universal set of humanistic values (Watson, 2007). These humanistic values include kindness, concern, and love for oneself and for other people (Watson, 2007). They come from past experiences and are enriched by one’s beliefs and cultures. The altruistic values come from commitments and from the satisfaction of receiving care and giving care. They also bring forth a deeper meaning to people’s lives through one’s beliefs and through one’s deeper relationships with other people (Watson, 2007). With the above concepts, it is important to note how the humanistic and altruistic actions serve as foundations of human caring; how they promote the best in professional care; and in the end, how they formulate the primary factors for science and of ethical practice (Watson, 2007). 2. Enabling and sustaining faith and hope The practice of medicine has been filled with stories of how a person’s faith and hope has managed to significantly impact on a patient’s recovery and general well-being. Other philosophers discuss how important it is to inspire or treat a person’s mind and spirit first, before any intervention is implemented to address his illness. In other instances, medicine played second fiddle to people’s beliefs, including their faith and hopes (Watson, 2007). In Watson’s theory, she sets forth that patient’s beliefs must be upheld and encouraged as important factors which promote health (Ryan, 2005). Despite what science may somehow dictate in relation to one’s care, the nurse must nurture the hope and faith which the patient has because even when the patient’s situation may indeed be beyond hope, the patient may still have a lighter and more hopeful faith in “something or someone beyond his or her self” (Watson, 2007). Such faith and hope can, in the end, have a greater and better impact on the patient than the scientific and technical care administered to him. 3. Sensitivity to self and others Being human is essentially about allowing oneself to feel and to think one’s thoughts and to recognize one’s feelings in others (Watson, 2007). The progression of oneself and the development of judgment and sensitivity in human relationships come from emotional states. Feelings are often encouraged through compassion from other people and from sympathetic life experiences. On the other hand, one’s sensitivity to self is related to the acknowledgement of painful and enjoyable experiences (Ryan, 2005). It is nurtured by considering oneself and by exploring one’s feelings. People who are insensitive to their own feelings may not be able to also recognize other people’s ability to explore their feelings. In other words, “sensitivity to self not only leads to self-acceptance and psychological growth, but to sensitivity and acceptance of others” (Watson, 2007). In effect, nurses who are more concerned and sensitive to other people’s feelings can learn more about the views of the world which can later improve their concern for and their ability to comfort others. 4. Engaging in creative, individualized, problem-solving caring process Nursing applies a standard nursing practice which is a dynamic problem-solving process that also assists the decision-making process in different patient/nurse situations. In applying a creative approach, there is an acknowledgement in the fact that nurses utilize engaging patient interventions (Watson, 2007). Nurses solving patient issues often do so not in a linear process, but with the nurse applying a multilateral approach. It often involves the nurse reviewing a situation at first glance and applying interventions based on her initial assessment. This process of delivering care is based on the full utilization of knowledge, instincts, and ethics (Watson, 2007). With these elements, a more individualized type of care is made possible, and is likely to be based on patient preferences. Personal reflection Based on my personal application of Watson’s carative theory, I was able to establish that knowledge, skills, and training are not sufficient in delivering adequate patient care. A nurse may be equipped with the necessary knowledge and armed with the best skills and training in the nursing practice, but if she has not mastered the basic tenets of carative practice and processes, her nursing practice would not achieve the desired patient outcomes. In applying Watson’s theory in my practice, I was able to observe how the simple act of making personal and caring gestures towards my patient was able to considerably lift their spirits. The carative practice has made me a better nurse and has given me important tools to apply in my practice aside from the usual patient interventions I have often applied in my practice. Conclusion Jean Watson’s carative theory is based on the concept of caring – caring for a person’s body, mind, and spirit. It is about transcending the physical applications of the nursing practice and taking into consideration the fundamental caring aspects of the practice. Her theory mainly considers means and methods which make the patient comfortable in sharing past experiences and consequently in allowing the implementation of interventions based on evidence and patient preferences. Various assumptions on the carative practice set forth the importance of caring in the process of patient care. It also highlights the fact that caring must be interpersonal and must include face-to-face interactions between the patient and the nurse. Through such processes, the caring practice can be implemented for the benefit of the patient. The factors of the carative practice include, among others: humanistic factor; enabling and sustaining faith and hope; sensitivity to self and others; and engaging in creative; and individualized problem-solving caring process. I was able to discover in my practice that Jean Watson’s carative theory has numerous benefits for patients. It helps ensure a more interpersonal relationship between the patient and the nurse and it helps to ensure that the patient’s preferences are taken into consideration in the planning of care. Works Cited Brown, C., Holcomb, L., Maloney, J., Naranjo, J., Gibson, C., & Russell, P. (2005) Caring in Action: The Patient Care Facilitator Role. International Journal of Human Caring, volume 9, number 3, pp. 51-58 Cara, C. (2003) A Pragmatic View of Jean Watson’s Caring Theory. International Journal of Human Caring, volume 7, number 3, pp. 51–57. Lynch, P., Conway, P., Palmer, S., Myers, K., & Erickson, S. (2008) N525 Theory Critique and Presentation: Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring. Pacific Lutheran University. Retrieved 27 December 2010 from http://www.plu.edu/~lynchpd/doc/n526-watson.doc Overview of Jean Watson’s Theory (n.d) Vanguard Health Systems. Retrieved 27 December 2010 from http://www.innovativecaremodels.com/uploads/File/caring%20model/Overview%20JW%20Theory.pdf Ryan, L. A. (2005). The Journey to integrate Watson’s caring theory with clinical practice. International Journal for Human Caring, volume 9, number 1, pp. 26-30 Sitzman, K. (2002) Interbeing and mindfulness: a bridge to understanding Jean Watson's theory of human caring. Nursing Education Perspectives. National League for Nursing. Retrieved 27 December 2010 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3317/is_3_23/ai_n28918858/pg_4/?tag=content;col1 Watson, J. (2007) Watson’s theory of human caring and subjective living experiences: carative factors/caritas processes as a disciplinary guide to the professional nursing practice. Campus Universitário Trindade, volume16 number 1 Watson, J. (n.d) Jean Watson Transpersonal Care Theory. Scribd.com. Retrieved 27 December 2010 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/33854915/Jean-Watson Watson, J. (1990) Future Directions for Caring Development Knowledge. Advance Nursing Science, volume 13, number 1, pp. 15-24 Read More