Jean Watson Essay

Introduction

At the University of Colorado, Jean Watson is a distinguished professor of nursing. Her Theory of Human Caring and extensive study on the nursing profession, which have been used in tens of thousands of hospitals around the world, are more well-known than she is. In order to create a strong bond between the patient and the nurse, the Theory of Human Caring is a philosophical approach to patient treatment. It concentrates on the interpersonal aspects of caring, the chance encounters between the person receiving care and the caregiver, as well as the bond that develops between the two. Defending his theory in the year 2008, Watson claimed that her quest in life has always been deepening the understanding of human life and using this information to refine the art of nursing. This article critique reviews the impact of her theory on nursing practice worldwide.

The Ten Caritas

The theory of human caring has been evidently impactful to nursing practice as well as the application as the basis for clinical and psychological assessment of the patient. It is guided by a set of ten critical Caritas processes which have evolved from the original ten curative factors. They can be termed as assumptions and include;

Adoption of Altruistic System of Values

There is the adoption of an altruistic system of values, which demonstrate the value and practice of loving-kindness and equanimity within the context of caring consciousness. The reflection of the nurse should include a concern over the identity of the patient, her feeling, and comfort in the situation. Critiques have other significantly appealing opposition stands against this as well. They claim it is not possible to achieve it.

Building of Hope and Faith

Building of hope and faith in the individual. The relationship should encourage the patient to fight and sustain a deep belief in the curing system and the hands he or she is on. When reflecting on the patient, the nurse should be concerned about the kind of information he or she needs to impact in the patient to instill composure.

Cultivation of Self and Others

Cultivation of one’s self and others in their emotional distress. The nurse should cultivate the spiritual and social needs of the patient. She should be concerned over what steps are being taken to ensure the patient is socially and spiritually strong.

Cultivation of Trust and Genuine Concern

Cultivation of trust and genuine concern between the patient and the nurse. Each should show affection towards the other. The nurse should be reflecting on ways in which he or she can enter the person’s personal space.

Promoting Acceptance and Expression

Promoting the acceptance and expression of either positive or negative result regardless of the prevailing conditions. The nurse should be constantly concerned about how the patient is feeling over the course of treatment or hospitalization. He or she should strive to provide maximum comfort.

Creation of a Systematic Problem-Solving Approach

Creation of a systematic problem-solving approach to any situation that arises. The nurse should apply previous experiences or knowledge to come up with the best way of solving any problem. He or she should reflect on how the prevailing condition compares with past experiences.

Promotion of a Teaching and Learning Relationship

Promotion of a teaching and learning relationship with each other. Both the patient and the nurse should be eager to inform the other of any change or necessary facts. The nurse should be concerned about how well informed the patient is about his or her situation.

Development of a Supportive Environment

Development of a supportive, protective and curative environment in which the patient can enjoy, express and request or express any concern they have. The nurse should be bothered by the kind of environment is provided. Is it free or coercive?

Assistance and Gratification of Humanly Needs

Assistance and gratification of any humanly need. Being committed to provide basic needs, show love, and ensuring an alignment of the body and soul. The nurse should honor all spiritual needs and be concerned about whether letting the patient be free could have better results.

Opening and Allowing Spiritual Aspects

Opening and allowing the existence of spiritual, mysterious and soul sourced aspects of an individual. The nurse should be concerned on how he or she can empower the patient to make sense of terminal illness, life, and death. She should seek for life lessons for herself and for the patient.

Critique

Jean Watson’s work was founded on transparent, caring and genuine relationship between the patient and the nurse, one which benefits not only the patient but also the welfare of the nurse. She believed that any nurse should take care of herself first as well as become physically and psychologically sound before she can take care of others. Her model, therefore, encourages the nurse to constantly be concerned with the patient as well as herself, thereby enabling both parties to benefit immensely. She argues out that a caring bond is so crucial in human life that language limits the ability to express it. She indicates that it could nature forgiveness, compassion, gratitude and bring healing and meaning to any difficult situation. The caring moment of personal time between the nurse and patient is priceless. Evidently, the patient can forget all his or her doctors, attendants or friends but keep the memory of a good nurse.

Theoretical Assertions

The caring theory is based on three theoretical assertions which should be the reference points in routine nursing practice. First, nursing is an art that should be perfected and used as a tool for the cultivation of the relationship in context. It should be treasured. Secondly, personhood is the beings in the relationship, which is the patient and the nurse. According to Jean Watson, we are spiritual beings with a human aspect and not the other way round. Thirdly, health is crucial in the life of a person. In her research, she found out that disease is not just a physical state but a “subjective turmoil within a person’s soul within his or her internal spheres. Lastly, the environment is paramount in the recovery process. It should promote inner peace, relaxation and alleviate suffering.

Criticism

A critical look at this theory shows a myriad of shortcomings which limit its acceptability and applicability in various situations. First, the theory lacks consistency. Critiques argue that from its name to the definitions, this theory keeps on varying in both understanding and application. Secondly, the theory lacks clarity. She attempts to explain her concepts using expressions, poetry and in other instances, she claims that language is limited. Besides those, the theory is inadequate. It is limited by both definition and application. It does not address issues such as family concerns, violent patients and legal aspects of medicine. The theory is also limited to logical development. It was developed to cater for nurturing relationship rather than the technical aspects of nursing. Finally, it has a high degree of complexity. Watson’s caring theory covers a lot of detail which has not been expressed or explained sufficiently to be understood by not only the practicing but also student nurses. It needs to be expounded and developed further for better results in nursing applications. This will lower the level of discrimination encompassed.

Conclusion

Conclusively. Watson’s theory of human caring was developed by Jean Watson to address the formation of sound relationships between the patient and the nurse. It has been adopted and applied by many government health systems, hospitals, and nursing organizations. Its impact in practical nursing is evident, as the nurses have an easier time in dealing with well informed and comfortable patients compared to previous days. The theory has many shortcomings and limitations which can be rectified through a practical approach and review by nursing organizations. It is based on nursing, personhood, environment and health aspects. Nursing is not just a profession, but a human art which should be nurtured and cultivated within humans.

Bibliography

Alligood, Martha Raile. Nursing theorists and their work. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2014.

Morrow, Mary. ”Caring Science, Mindful Practice Implementing Watson’s Human Caring Theory, by K. Sitzman and J. Watson.(New York: Springer, 2014).“ Nursing science quarterly 27, no. 3 (2014): 263-264.

Sitzman, Kathleen, and Jean Watson. Caring science, mindful practice: Implementing Watson’s human caring theory. Springer Publishing Company, 2013.

Sitzman, Kathleen. ”Evolution of Watson’s Human Caring Science in the Digital Age.“ International Journal for Human Caring 21, no. 1 (2017): 46-52.

Stent, Gunther S. ”That was the molecular biology that was.“ Science 160, no. 3826 (1968): 390-395.