“Caring is the essence of nursing”~Dr. Jean Watson
Major Concepts of Watson’s theory:
• Main focus in nursing is on carative factors
• For nurses to develop humanistic philosophies and value sytem
• The caring stance that nursing has is threatened by the demands of the curative factors
( Sitzman, 2007)
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• Published 1979
• Includes ten carative factors
(Cara, 2003)
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The Ten Primary Carative Factors
1. The formation of a humanistic- altruistic system of values.
2. The installation of faith-hope.
3. The cultivation of sensitivity to one’s self and to others.
4. The development of a helping-trust relationship
5. The promotion and acceptance of the expression of positive and negative feelings.
6. The systematic use of the scientific problem-solving method for decision making
7. The promotion of interpersonal teaching-learning.
8. The provision for a supportive, protective and /or corrective mental, physical, socio-cultural and spiritual environment.
9. Assistance with the gratification of human needs:
10. The allowance for existential-phenomenological forces.
(Cara, 2003)
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Notes:
Watson views the carative factors as a guide for the core of nursing. The first three carative factors form the philosophical base for the science of caring. The remaining seven carative factors are derived from the foundation laid by the first three. The goal of nursing within Watson's theory focuses on helping people to gain a higher degree of harmony within the mind, body and soul. She maintains that this goal is achieved through these ten caring