Watsons Theory of Caring - Term Paper Example

Watson's Theory of Caring Background: Dr. Jean Watson is a nursing scholar who earned her undergraduate degree with majors in nursing and psychology from University of Colorado. She mastered in psychiatric-mental health nursing. She also holds a PhD in educational psychology and counseling. At present she is a teaching nursing and caring science in University of Colorado. She is also the founder of Center for Human Caring in Colorado. She also holds many honorary doctoral degrees and several international and national honors to her name. Her published work, philosophies and theories about human caring are renounced around the world and studied by the nursing staff. Watson Theory of Caring: The summary of theory proposed by Jean Watson is as follows; The three significant elements of Watson’s Theory of caring are; 1. The Carative Factors 2. The transpersonal caring relationship 3. The caring occasion/caring moment 1. The Carative Factors: The carative factors were developed in 1979 and they were further revised in 1988. The carative factors basically work on the human dimension of nursing and take in to account the varied experiences the patients cared by the nurses (Watson, 1997). The carative factors work on the ten principals of humanistic value system, instilling hope, showing sensitivity to others, helping other, expression of positive regard, helping in problem solving, transpersonal teaching and learning, a panoramic environment of support and protection and existential-phenomenological-spiritual forces (Watson, 1988b). As the Watson’s theory of caring was evolved over time, the concept of clinical caritas were introduced and replaced the carative factors. There was more emphasis on the spiritual aspect of caring in clinical caritas. The terminology “caritas” means to cherish and shower with attention and originates from Greek vocabulary. The transition of carative factors in to clinical caritas resulted in the development of the following processes; Encompassing love, kindness and calmness in the nursing profession Being able to be genuinely present and helping building and sustaining a positive belief system for both self and the one being cared for Having a spiritual practice that envelops others in its wing of sensitivity and compassion Fully engaging self in the process of caring and nursing Teaching and learning from the caring and healing practices Making the internal and external, physical and non physical environment, both focus on the healing process Opening and attending to spiritual-mysterious and existential dimensions of one’s own life-death; soul care for self and the one-being-cared-for. (Watson, 2001, p. 347) 2. Transpersonal Caring Relationship: In this transpersonal relationship, the nurse goes beyond the outwardly concern and also takes in to account the patient’s feeling and subjective perceptions regarding their health. The transpersonal caring relationship bridges the connection to the patient’s perspective of their health care situation. It showcases the individuality of both the patient and the nursing staff which forms a middle ground which is an essential element of the relationship. As the nurse and the patient go on this journey of meaning and wholeness together, they form a bond like no other (Watson, 2001). `The term interpersonal means to break the boundaries of ego and delve in to the spiritual connection to support and help the patient in healing. The ultimate goal of this relationship is to make sure that the patient’s dignity, humanity and inner peace is supported, enhanced and conserved. According to Watson (1999), the transpersonal caring relationship is a unique kind of caring relationship which is to a large degree dependent on; The commitment of the nursing staff towards enhancing the human dignity The consciousness of the caring staff in to realizing that the patient is an embodied spirit and their efforts to preserve and honor that spirit The interconnectedness of the nursing staff’s consciousness and their potential to help in healing. 3. Caring Occasion/Caring Moment: A caring occasion can be defined as a moment in which the nursing staff and the patient come together in a way that a moment of shared understanding and caring is formed. The human to human transaction at first forms a bond. This bond is later now translated in to sheer understanding and concern for the patient (Watson, 1988). A caring moment is constructed and corresponds to a person’s subjective feelings, expectation, environmental considerations, past and one’s view of life (Watson, 1988a). The nurse should also be well aware of her presence as a care giver in order to make the most of the caring occasion. The caring occasion becomes transpersonal when the spiritual interaction between the care giver and patient takes place and the possibility to explore and exploit the most of the human capability opens up. The transpersonal personal relationship is affected by a large degree by the choices and actions taken in the caring occasion (Watson, 1999). Application of Watson Theory of Caring I was assigned Mr. John a 29 year old American Soldier who was to undergo his second amputation. He was to undergo an above knee amputation because the last one had failed to heal properly. We were on good terms because I had taken care of him last time he was here too. I had always liked this patient because of his open and friendly nature. We connected from the minute he shared his life story with me which allowed me to get to know him as a person and not just some patient going in surgery. Initially he was admitted with an extensive wound of the upper thigh. It was hoped that the circulation would remain adequate and the foot could be saved. But in the next 48 hours, the foot became cold and the amputation became necessary. I was the one who was there to receive him when he was admitted to our unit again for the second amputation. We exchanged a silent smile when we met (at this moment a caring moment took place). I asked him about his health. I also asked if my creative way of making him remember to take his medicine helped him (the creativity of the nurse helps make nursing an art). He said that it was indeed a great help and he never once missed his medicine. We share a relationship that goes beyond the general concern of a caregiver because he sees me as somebody who is committed to helping him through this difficult phase of life (Watson theory of caring also states that this particular relationship becomes a part of both of our life history). My patient looked depressed. The fact that he was in here for his second amputation was enough to get him depressed but I planned to discuss his perceptions and feelings with him. I made sure that the ambiance of the room was comfortable. I also discussed his plans of care and hospitalization. He was quite certain that he wanted to be home for his son’s birthday. I planned to make sure that the surgery takes place in such a time period that this is made possible. I comply with the Watson theory assumption that initially it might take more time to prioritize the caring according to the patients wants but it goes a long way when it comes to healing. The positive or negative outcome that arises is to a large degree dependent on the inner journey undertaken by the patient (Watson, 2000). My patient also voiced his desperation when he was unable to install a deadpan under him. He also asked me if I think that this surgery would work or would it be a waste of time. He was feeling so helpless that I was reminded of the Watson’s caring values. I reminded him that he has sacrificed his leg for a worthy cause and his country and its people would never forget that. I also made sure that his privacy was always respected and never intruded. I pulled the curtains and left him alone when I felt that he needs to be alone. I felt very powerless and vulnerable. I was reminded of Watson (2000) that feeling vulnerable can be very rewarding in a nursing profession because when we are detached from our patients we become robotic and mechanical. My goal was to help him reach a balanced state of mind and find peace with what has happened. I vowed to be hopeful for him and convey that feeling to him even when the situation on the surface looks quite somber. I believe that giving hope to him would be more beneficial to him and would work to help him achieve some harmony in life. It is very important for me to amply care for him which is my motivation to reach the best of my capability professionally. My goal as a care giver is to form a transpersonal relationship with my patient that will work to enhance and preserve my patient’s dignity, humanity and wholeness. Recommendation: I aspire to be the best in my profession and for that I need to constantly evaluate myself on some standard scale. It can serve as an ideal guide for me to pursue and can motivate me to follow certain standards and ideals. Looking back on my nursing skills, I feel that I could have given more attention to my patient’s concerns of being able to join the army. I could have looked up ways of suggesting him to return to serve in army after a major limp amputation. The working environment for such army officers has become more receptive in recent times. I could have suggested perhaps another job in military occupation. It would have eased some of his distress and feeling of uselessness. Upon a reflection of the care I imparted, I think I should have also considered his context and environment e.g. how his immediate family reacts to the amputation. My inquiry about his family, friends and resources could have given me great insight in to his life. The healing process of the body can be greatly attributed to a healthy mind and spirit. I questioned my skills and capabilities as a professional by delving deep in to question about my value and belief system as a care giver. I have resolved to try to make a difference in the lives of the patients I work with and instill in them a sense of self sufficiency and work for the greater good. My contribution towards my profession and its meaning for me was greatly made clear when I questioned my basic nursing skills and my motivation behind wanting to work as a care giver. Conclusion:  The essential and integral elements of Watson’s theory were explored in this paper. A real live example of clinical application of the theory was also provided. It highlighted various aspects of Watson’s Caring theory and explained how it extended help to the nurses in their work environment. References Watson, J. (1997). Artistry of caring: Heart and soul of nursing. In D. Marks-Maran & P. Rose (Eds.), Nursing: Beyond art and sciences (pp. 54-62). Boulder, CO: Colorado Associated University Press. Watson, J. (1988b). Nursing: Human science and human care. A theory of nursing (2nd printing). New York: National League for Nursing. (Original work published in 1985.) Watson, J. (2001). Jean Watson: Theory of human caring. In M.E. Parker (Ed.), Nursing theories and nursing practice (pp. 343-354). Philadelphia: Davis. Watson, J. (1999). Postmodern nursing and beyond. Toronto, Canada: Churchill Livingstone. Watson, J. (1988a). New dimensions of human caring theory. Nursing Science Quarterly, 1(4), 175-181. Watson, J. (2000). Via negativa: Considering caring by way of non-caring. The Australian Journal of Holistic Nursing, 7(1), 4-8. Read More