Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Care
Analysis of Jean Watson's Theory of Transpersonal
Carey Grall, RN, BSN
Concordia
Nursing Theory
MSN 834
Dr. Pam Koob
September 27, 2012
Analysis of Jean Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Nursing has in the last century made a lot of progress thus it has become recognized as a profession as well as an academic discipline. One of these accomplishments was the development, articulation, and testing of various nursing theories. It has been made more meaningful and significant by the theory based practice which has shifted the focus of nursing from vocational to an organized profession. With the development of these theories, nursing has emerged as an independent practice still working closely with the medical profession but no longer dependent upon it. There has been a realization of a knowledge base which has assisted in guiding professional nursing practice. Not only does the theory guide the nursing practice, but research and education as well, resulting in a continually evolving body of knowledge. Most of the theoretical works done by nurses have the intention of making nursing a recognized profession; profession in the sense that nurses should professionally deliver care to their patients. As nurses, we may choose to use one particular theory in our practice but more frequently we use a combination of several different theorists in our practice. Jean Watson refers to the human being as “a valued person in and of him or herself to be cared for, respected, nutured, understood and assisted; in general a philosophical view of a person as a fully functional integrated self. Human is viewed as greater than and different from the sum of his or her parts” (Watson, 1979). Her theory and concepts focus on the relationship between patient and nurse and the promotion of unity and harmony within the mind, body, and soul. According to Watson, caring which is manifested in nursing has existed in every society. However a caring attitude is not
Carey Grall, RN, BSN
Concordia
Nursing Theory
MSN 834
Dr. Pam Koob
September 27, 2012
Analysis of Jean Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Nursing has in the last century made a lot of progress thus it has become recognized as a profession as well as an academic discipline. One of these accomplishments was the development, articulation, and testing of various nursing theories. It has been made more meaningful and significant by the theory based practice which has shifted the focus of nursing from vocational to an organized profession. With the development of these theories, nursing has emerged as an independent practice still working closely with the medical profession but no longer dependent upon it. There has been a realization of a knowledge base which has assisted in guiding professional nursing practice. Not only does the theory guide the nursing practice, but research and education as well, resulting in a continually evolving body of knowledge. Most of the theoretical works done by nurses have the intention of making nursing a recognized profession; profession in the sense that nurses should professionally deliver care to their patients. As nurses, we may choose to use one particular theory in our practice but more frequently we use a combination of several different theorists in our practice. Jean Watson refers to the human being as “a valued person in and of him or herself to be cared for, respected, nutured, understood and assisted; in general a philosophical view of a person as a fully functional integrated self. Human is viewed as greater than and different from the sum of his or her parts” (Watson, 1979). Her theory and concepts focus on the relationship between patient and nurse and the promotion of unity and harmony within the mind, body, and soul. According to Watson, caring which is manifested in nursing has existed in every society. However a caring attitude is not