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Essay about Watson's Theory of Human Caring

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Watson's Theory of Human Caring Sandra Middlestate NUR/403 April 16, 2012 Watson's Theory of Human Caring In this paper on Watson’s theory of human caring it will briefly describe the theories background and concepts. In discussion of an actual nurse patient event I have had in Obstetrics it will analyze major theory assumptions related to person, health, nursing and environment in the context of this caring moment, along with a personal reflection of this caring moment. Born in West Virginia theorist Jean Watson has had a very distinguished career, as a nurse educator and researcher in the area of “human caring and loss” (Nursing Theories, 2012, p.1). Beginning her education with a BSN from University of …show more content…

That will meet the needs of the patient mind, body and spirit. Watson’s ten curative factors help prepare the nurse for these patient encounters. These include “humanistic-altruistic system of values, faith-hope, and sensitivity of self and others.” (Alligood, 2010, p. 37) A nurse needs to be aware of one’s self sensitivity and values in order to provide unbiased care with empathy. Watson’s theory of caring is related to the nurse recognizing the patient and his needs as the priority, with regards to his body mind and spirit. Regardless of the setting, hospital, clinic, or community, care should be rendered to the patient with knowledge and skill while creating an interactive relationship that allows challenge and growth for both parties. It is not just the nurse completing tasks or treatments as ordered by the physician. The nursing process and Watson’s theory both provide a framework to promote critical thinking by the nurse so conclusions can be made and they can have a caring moment. This is completed by “assessment, plan, intervention, evaluation.” (Nursing Theories, 2012, p.4) The theory is well organized, not complex and “can be used to guide and improve practice.”(Nursing Theories, 2012, p.4) Watson’s theory has four major concepts; “human being, health, environment/society and nursing” defined as. Human being or “person - a valued being to be cared for, respected, nurtured, understood, and assisted a fully functional

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