Jean Watson's Theory of Caring PDF

 According to Watson (1997), the core of the Theory of Caring is that “humans cannot be treated as objects and that humans cannot be separated from self, other, nature, and the larger workforce.”  Her theory encompasses the whole world of nursing; with the emphasis placed on the inter...

 According to Watson (1997), the core of the Theory of Caring is that “humans cannot be treated as objects and that humans cannot be separated from self, other, nature, and the larger workforce.”  Her theory encompasses the whole world of nursing; with the emphasis placed on the interpersonal process between the care giver and care recipient.  The theory is focused on “the centrality of human caring and on the caring-to-caring transpersonal relationship and its healing potential for both the one who is caring and the one who is being cared for” (Watson, 1996).  The structure for the science of caring is built upon ten carative factors. These are:  Carative Factors Caritas Processes “The formation of a humanistic- altruistic “Practice of loving-kindness and equanimity within the system of values” context of caring consciousness” “Being authentically present and enabling and “The instillation of faith-hope” sustaining the deep belief system and subjective life- world of self and one being cared for” “The cultivation of sensitivity to one’s self “Cultivation of one’s own spiritual practices and and to others” transpersonal self, going beyond the ego self” “Development of a helping-trust “Developing and sustaining a helping trusting authentic relationship”; became” development of a caring relationship” helping-trusting, human caring relation” “The promotion and acceptance of the “Being present to, and supportive of, the expression of expression of positive and negative positive and negative feelings as a connection with feelings” deeper spirit and self and the one-being cared for” “The systematic use of the scientific problem solving method for decision “Creative use of self and all ways of knowing as part of making”; became systematic use of the caring process; to engage in the artistry of caring- creative problem solving caring process” healing practices’ (in the 2004 Watson website) “The promotion of transpersonal “Engaging in genuine teaching-learning experience that teaching-learning” attends unity of being and meaning, attempting to stay within others frame of reference” “The provision of supportive, “Creating healing environment at all levels protective, and (or) corrective mental, (physical as well as non-physical, subtle physical, societal, and spiritual environment of energy and consciousness, environment” beauty, comfort, dignity, and peace are potentiated” “Assisting with basic needs, with an intentional “The assistance with gratification of caring consciousness, administering” human care human needs” essentials; which potentiate alignment of mind body spirit, wholeness, and unity of being all aspects of care” “The allowance for existential- “Opening and attending to spiritual-mysterious phenomenological forces”’; became and existential dimensions of one’s own life- “allowance for existential- death, soul care for self and the one-being-cared phenomenological-spiritual forces” (in for” the 2004 Watson website)  Reflective/meditative approach (increasing consciousness and presence to the humanism of self and other) (see Cara, C. (2003). A Pragmatic View of Jean Watson’s Caring Theory,  Understanding self through reflection/meditation (journaling, the arts, meditation, etc.)  What is the meaning of caring for the person/families/myself?  How do I express my caring consciousness and commitment to my patients/clients? To colleagues? To the institution? To the community and larger world?  How do I define self, nurse, person, environment, health/healing, and nursing?  How do I make a difference in people’s life and suffering? How do I increase the quality of people’s healing and dying process?  How can I be informed by the clinical caritas processes in my practice?  How can I be inspired by Watson’s caring theory in my practice?  Understanding the patient/client/family as a person: Inviting story (Tell me about yourself, your life experiences, your feelings, your bodily sensations, your goals and expectations, your culture, etc., so I may honor you and your healing pathway.) Understanding the patient/client’s health needs:  Tell me about your health? What is it like to be in your situation?  Tell me how you perceive yourself? What are your health priorities?  How do you envision your life?  What is the meaning of healing for you?  Watson’s Hierarchy of Needs Lower Order Biophysical Needs or Survival Needs Watson’s hierarchy of needs begins with lower-order biophysical needs or survival needs. These include the need for food and fluid, elimination, and ventilation. Lower Order Psychophysical Needs or Functional Needs Next in line are the lower-order psychophysical needs or functional needs. These include the need for activity, inactivity, and sexuality. Higher-Order Psychosocial Needs or Integrative Needs include the need for achievement and affiliation. Higher-Order Intrapersonal-Interpersonal Need or Growth-seeking Need Caring Occasion/Caring Moment: Heart-centered encounters with another person. When two people, each with their own “phenomenal field”/background come together in a human-to-human transaction that is meaningful, authentic, intentional, honoring the person, and sharing human experience that expands each person’s worldview and spirit leading to new discovery of self and other and new life possibilities.