Watson's Theory
Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
Alicia Davis
NUR 403
April 5, 2010
Kimberly Frommel
Theories contain concepts, definitions, models, propositions, and are being based on assumptions (Nursing Theories, 2010). The nursing profession uses nursing theories as the framework and foundation for practice. Many people find nursing theories to be meaningless and of no use to the profession, as this student did before she knew what the history and meaning behind nursing theories. Nursing theories aid nurses by improving patient care and enhancing communication between members (Nursing Theories). Various nursing theorists have theories available for nursing practice. This paper will focus on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, including the history and concepts of the theory.
History
Jean Watson began her work in the nursing profession after completion of a bachelor in science of nursing in 1964, then a master’s degree in 1966, and finally a PhD in 1973 (Nursing Theories, 2010). Watson has received numerous honors and awards for her work. A large amount of Watson’s research has been in the vicinity of human caring and the loss of someone. The philosophy and science of caring received the publishing of Watson’s theory as a foundation for nursing in 1979 (Nursing Theories). Nursing: human science and human care received Watson’s theory for publishing in 1988 (Nursing Theories). Watson’s belief is for nursing to place his or her center of attention on the carative factors and establish a value system.
Concepts
Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has four main concepts: person, health, nursing, and environment. According to Cara (nd), the person is a being in the world. The person is distinctive of mind, body, and soul. The person should be viewed as a whole. According to Sitzman (2002), the concept of the person is elemental to wholistic nursing practice, addressing the patient with regard to mind, body, and soul. One way to look at is, the person is the patient
Alicia Davis
NUR 403
April 5, 2010
Kimberly Frommel
Theories contain concepts, definitions, models, propositions, and are being based on assumptions (Nursing Theories, 2010). The nursing profession uses nursing theories as the framework and foundation for practice. Many people find nursing theories to be meaningless and of no use to the profession, as this student did before she knew what the history and meaning behind nursing theories. Nursing theories aid nurses by improving patient care and enhancing communication between members (Nursing Theories). Various nursing theorists have theories available for nursing practice. This paper will focus on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, including the history and concepts of the theory.
History
Jean Watson began her work in the nursing profession after completion of a bachelor in science of nursing in 1964, then a master’s degree in 1966, and finally a PhD in 1973 (Nursing Theories, 2010). Watson has received numerous honors and awards for her work. A large amount of Watson’s research has been in the vicinity of human caring and the loss of someone. The philosophy and science of caring received the publishing of Watson’s theory as a foundation for nursing in 1979 (Nursing Theories). Nursing: human science and human care received Watson’s theory for publishing in 1988 (Nursing Theories). Watson’s belief is for nursing to place his or her center of attention on the carative factors and establish a value system.
Concepts
Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has four main concepts: person, health, nursing, and environment. According to Cara (nd), the person is a being in the world. The person is distinctive of mind, body, and soul. The person should be viewed as a whole. According to Sitzman (2002), the concept of the person is elemental to wholistic nursing practice, addressing the patient with regard to mind, body, and soul. One way to look at is, the person is the patient
References: Alligood, M., R. & Tomey, A., M. Nursing theory: utilization and application. (3rd ed). St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. Alligood, M., R. & Tomey, A., M. Nursing theory: utilization and application. (3rd ed). (p.104). St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. Cara, C. (nd). A pragmatic view of Jean Watson’s caring theory. Retrieved April 9, 2010, from http://www.humancaring.org/conted/Pragmatic%20View.pdf Kathleen L Sitzman. (2002). Interbeing and mindfulness: A bridge to understanding Jean Watson 's theory of human caring. Nursing Education Perspectives, 23(3), 118. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. (Document ID: 282815121). Nursing Theories. (2010). Nursing theories: an overview. Retrieved April 9, 2010, from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/nursing_theories_overview.html Nursing Theories. (2010). Jean Watson’s philosophy of nursing. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Watson.html Watson, J. (2009). Watson Caring Science Institute: International caritas consortium. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from http://www.watsoncaringscience.org/ Vance, T. (2000-2010). Caring and the professional practice of nursing. RN Journal. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from http://www.rnjournal.com/journal_of_nursing/caring.htm