How to Intergrate Jean Watson's Theory of Caring Into Nursing Practice

Dr. Jane Watson, a distinguished professor of nursing at the University of Colorado, believes that nursing can be a transforming process through which both the patient and nurse can be changed. Her theory of nursing practice, formally known as the "Theory of Human Care," outlines basic premises of nursing and combines a humanistic and scientific approach to patient care. According to Watson, caring is a nurse's identity and when caring is fully actualized, a patient's world can become more secure, brighter, richer and larger. Watson's theory outlines six actions that help nurses fully extend and attend to human care.

Instructions

1

Establish a caring relationship with patients.

Be open and receptive to patient need and perception of need. Let patients know that you are interested in their complete care by communicating thoroughly. Listen to patient concerns--this will reinforce your role as a caring individual in tune to the patient's needs.

2

Treat patients as holistic beings.

Be aware of and sensitive to the patient's emotional and mental health in addition to his physical health. Ask questions and listen closely to physical as well as immaterial concerns. Embrace non-medical concerns or psychological or emotional concerns as valid needs within the patient and respond accordingly.

3

Display unconditional acceptance.

Be sensitive to the patient's insecurities that are due to her vulnerable position. Extend acceptance by maintaining an even level of acceptance and caring regardless of the patient's physical appearance, emotional need or level of compliance with you or the doctor.

4

Treat patients with positive regard.

Extend respect through positivity and encouragement. Be open and show caring, regardless of patient attitude or degree of positivity.

5

Promote health through knowledge and intervention.

Communicate with patients honestly about their medical condition. Encourage the patient to understand and explore his health through education and research. Show health practices through modeling. Intervene in a patient's health routine to redirect the patient to healthier patterns.

6

Spend uninterrupted time with the patient.

Stay with a patient until her questions are answered or until the task you must accomplish is done thoroughly. Listen to patient concerns without looking at your watch. Maintain eye contact--even if you only have five minutes alone with a patient before performing other duties, allow that patient to feel singular and important in those five minutes by truly devoting all of your attention to her.