Insight in to Jean Watson's Caring Theory
Insight In To Jean Watson 's Caring Theory Dr. Jean Watson is a nursing theorist whom work has expanded the concept of caring within the nursing profession. Jean Watson’s Caring theory focuses on the transpersonal interactions between nurse and patient to establish a caring relationship. In this paper, I will define theory as it pertains to nursing. I will also give a general background of Watson’s caring theory. I will include a description of concepts within Watson’s theory as well as, major theory assumptions related to person, health, nursing, and environment in the context of the caring moment. In this paper, I will apply Watson’s theory to one specific nurse-patient interaction, which I encountered during my experience as a nurse. I will also describe how Watson’s carative factors were utilized in the transpersonal relationship. I will also give a personal reflection on my professional experience that is basis of this paper. The term theory has many definitions, but generally it refers to a group of related concepts, definitions, and statements that propose a view of nursing phenomena from which to describe, explain, or predict outcomes (Chitty, 2005). Theories are important because it help guide nurses in the direction to provide the best care to patients’. A benefit of having a defined body of theory in nursing allow the nurse to provide efficient patient care, promote nursing status as a professional, improved communication amongst caregivers and patients, and guidance for nurses to engage in research to further their education .
Dr. Jean Watson is an American nursing scholar born in West Virginia. Dr. Watson attended the University of Colorado where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing and psychology. Watson later earned her master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing and continued to earn her Ph.D in education psychology and counseling (Chantal, 2003). In 1979, Dr. Watson’s theory of science of
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Cara, C. (2003). A pragmatic view of Jean Watson 's caring theory. International Journal For Human Caring, 7(3), 51-61.
Chitty, K. K. (2005). Professional nursing:Concepts & challenges (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier
Holland Wade, G., & Kasper, N. (2006). Nursing Students ' Perceptions of Instructor Caring: An Instrument Based on Watson 's Theory of Transpersonal Caring. Journal Of Nursing Education, 45(5), 162-168.
Suliman, W. A., Welmann, E., Omer, T., & Thomas, L. (2009). Applying Watson 's Nursing Theory to Assess Patient Perceptions of Being Cared for in a Multicultural Environment. Journal Of Nursing Research (Taiwan Nurses Association), 17(4), 293-300.
Watson, J. (2008a). The philosophy and science of caring (Rev. ed.). Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado