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Jean Watson Theory and Nursing
Introduction
Throughout its history, nursing has turned out to be an important discipline, especially in care-giving scenarios. Like other professional disciplines, nursing mainly focuses on human health and several approaches of healing through caring. In general, the science of nursing encompasses models, theories and research findings, which are specific to the discipline (Cara, 2003). As a result, it has been argued that nursing needs theory-guided models in order to address emerging issues in the 21st century.
This has also been necessitated by the diverse nature of nursing environments, which call for variation in the care-giving process. In some cases, nurses are forced to shift the approach to identify with patients or the communities being served. Similarly, interdisciplinary practice has widely been advocated for the purpose of incorporating other disciplines in the process of caring patients (Watson, 2009). This research paper focuses on Jean Watson theory, by synthesizing various aspects, including but not limited to the development of the theory, how nursing is conceptualized in the theory and its application in nursing practice.
Jean Watson Theory
The practice of nursing is characterized by several theorists, who have devoted their time and resources in exploring different models of caring and healing. One of these is Jean Watson, whose contribution to the discipline is invaluable. She was born in 1940, in West Virginia in the United States (Parker & Smith, 2010). As a professor of nursing, Watson has immensely contributed to the practice, through research work, authoring of books and journal articles and establishment of foundations to advance the practice of nursing.
Overview of Jean Watson Theory
Watson developed the theory of human caring between 1975 and 1979, while she was lecturing at the University of Colorado. According to Watson, the instinct to develop the theory emanated from her personal views towards nursing, coupled with several studies she had undertaken in various disciplines, including psychology, clinical and education (Parker & Smith, 2010). The theory was her personal efforts to redefine nursing by giving it a new meaning as a new discipline, which was emerging, with unique values, mission, knowledge and practices.
Additionally, this contribution was further influenced by a comprehensive nursing curriculum, together with the passion of developing meaning to the entire nursing discipline, which would cut across populations, settings, specialty and subspecialty sections. From this, Watson was able to make it clear that nursing practices were aimed at subjective healing approaches and the entire life of the person going through the experience (Parker & Smith, 2010). As a result, this approach called for unique healing frameworks and healing arts in order to address the existing problem. Watson referred to this frame work as carative factors, even though it contrasted curative factors, which had been known throughout the healing process. This philosophy further aimed at creating a balance for the field of medicine, by giving nursing its unique professional and scientific standing.
Importantly, Jean Watson described the theory using several conceptual elements, which included: ten carative factors, transpersonal relationship, caring modalities and caring moment. Moreover, several aspects of the theory have continued to emerge since Watson gave conceptual position of the philosophy (Parker & Smith, 2010). For instance, the views of self and person have been expanded to include transpersonal mind. Others are unitary consciousness and advanced healing modalities. The following segment of the research paper describes how the theory of Jean Watson is conceptualized in nursing.
Ten Carative Factors
Watsons original theory was divided into carative factors to shape the progress of nursing practice. Although the pillars are still known as factors, the term has been replaced with clinical caritas, which offers a more elaborate structure that addresses the evolving nature of the discipline in the contemporary society. In general, caritas connotes something, which is precious and fine (Watson, 2009). The two words, carative and caritas are closely related and can be compared for the purpose of invoking love. It therefore allows love and care to be assimilated into a more elaborate form of transpersonal caring. The advantage for this approach is that it allows inner healing for ones self and others, which is equally extended to the entire universe. It suffices to mention that the emerging model being applied in nursing is shifting from carative to caritas to create a link between past and the future by use of predictable methods. Watson acknowledged that the future of nursing was broadly depicted by Nightingales understanding of caring, which is founded on commitment to human ethics in serving various people in the society (Watson, 2009).
According to Watson, caring and love have to be included in the work of a nurse in order to appreciate the fact that nursing goes beyond ones job description; it offers life-giving and life-taking opportunities. This allows one to continuously learn and grow in various aspects of nursing practice. Importantly, for the inclusion of the past and the future to be effective, it requires the transformation of institutions, those being served and the entire profession of nursing (Watson, 2009). In this regard, it is important for one to acknowledge the essence of life. The model makes use of art and science and acknowledges their fusion with spirituality. There are several changes in the transpersonal caring, which require nurses to find out what and how the theory communicates to them.
Original Carative Factors of Jean Watson
These actors are believed to have served a significant role in giving direction to what was referred to as core nursing as opposed to nursings trim. They mainly address major nursing aspects, which play a fundamental role in therapeutic healing processes (Watson, 2009). In other words, they affect both the nurse and the person being nursed. In other words, the core of nursing could be described as an art, philosophy and science of healing. Notably, carative approach of nursing has the ability to go beyond the trim of changing times, settings, treatment and technology among others. From this point of view, it is important to underscore the fact that defining nursing on the basis of this concept remains cumbersome.
Equally, nursing trim cannot be used to explain nursings role and mission in the society. This creates the need for a nursing theory together with transpersonal theory, which is crucial in complimenting modern nursing. The ten carative factors, which were included in Watsons theory, were: the establishment of a humanistic system, instillation of faith, nurturing sensitivity to others, development of a trustworthy relationship, approval and acceptance of others, promotion to transpersonal teaching, provision of a holistic and healthy environment, support for human needs, and acceptance of spiritual forces (Watson, 2009). Even though some of the factors mentioned above are sill applied in nursing practice through theory-guided models, Watson noted that there was need of transforming these factors into clinical caritas processes.
Carative factors to Clinical Caritas Processes
It is evident that there has been significant evolution in nursing practice, leading to the emergence of new models of caring and promoting healing in hospitals. Due to this shift, the initial ten carative factors have been transposed into caritas processes, which are more simplified for consideration (Watson, 2009). This is to say that each of the above factors has been adjusted to address the needs within the ever-evolving nursing environment. Firstly, the formation of a humanistic system of professional values is being manifested through love, kindness, equanimity and calmness as applied in caring unconsciousness. Secondly, the concept of instilling hope and faith translates into being authentically present and supportive. On the other hand, nurturing of ones sensitivity towards self and others changes into cultivation of individual spiritual life practices and transpersonal self. This ensures that one operates beyond ego and opens to others with compassion (Cara, 2003). In addition, establishment of trustworthy relationships has been turned into development and sustenance of a helping-trusting relationship.
Similarly, the model appreciates the need for personal support instead of mere recognition of feelings to initiate a tie between the nursed and the person being nursed. The discipline has also witnessed the emergence of artistry model of caring-healing process instead of systematic application of a creative problem-solving and caring process. The adoption of genuine teaching-learning experience has been introduced, replacing transpersonal teaching. This ensures that one remains tuned in the frames of reference. Due to these shifts, a holistic caring environment has become a healing environment at all levels of nursing practice. Moreover, gratification of basic needs, as it was defined in carative factors has shifted to assistance with basic needs, with a caring consciousness. This allows the alignment of mind, body and spirit in all aspects of care, given in hospitals. Lastly, the evolution from carative to caritas allows one to respond to spiritual needs of an individual (Suliman, Welmann, Omer & Thomas, 2009). In other words, it allows taking care of ones soul together with the person being taken care of.
Unlike in the original carative model, clinical caritas encompasses the fusion of a spiritual dimension and a caring paradigm that has love. According to Watson, this perspective supports the existence of a relationship between the model and Nightingales approach to nursing. Although this direction is coined theoretically, it goes beyond the theoretical aspect of nursing and offers a converging model for the future of the discipline. For this reason, Watson considers her work to be more ethical, philosophical and a blueprint for the evolving nature of nursing, rather than a skeleton of a theory (Suliman, Welmann, Omer & Thomas, 2009). Nevertheless, there are people who have found the model to be slightly demanding and have had to interact with it at its level of abstractness. Notably, Jean Watson theory has continuously been used in clinical practice models, educational curricula, and research methods.
Implications of Jean Watson Theory
Based on the components of the theory, developed by Jean Watson in 1979, it is evident that the model has had a significant impact in nursing as a discipline and to nursing professionals. Essentially, the model can be used as an ethical and philosophical foundation, for nursing practice and forms the epicenter of the profession at a disciplinary level. Unlike other designs, Watsons model can be applied both as an art and a science, giving it an advantage interdisciplinary caring, which is important in modern nursing challenges (Watson, 1999).
Besides this, the model also allows new dimensions for medicine, which deals with the mind, body and spirit. Its simplicity further allows individuals to read, learn, study and research the theory. However, a true understanding of the theory occurs when a person experiences it from a personal level. It therefore presents an opportunity to interact with the ideas in various ways, in ones personal or professional life. In addition, ones commitment to caring consciousness is necessary in confronting various challenges experienced in nursing as a discipline (Watson, 1999).
Application of Jean Watson Theory
A nurse can use this theory to advance the science and or practice of nursing in various ways. Jean Watsons theory can help a nurse to deal with several complexities, which arise while dealing with various nursing situations. For instance, a nurse who is taking care of a patient, awaiting a second amputation can apply the ten caritas factors to enhance her caring. This would allow the nurse to be attentive, listen to the patient and comfort him or her.
The ideas presented in the theory give a platform for us to asses, critique, and help in locating ourselves within the entire framework of caring. However, its proper application requires one to think along a certain path. For instance, it is important to know if there exists any congruence between values and major concepts presented in the model (Walker & Avant, 2010). From this, one is able to relate the model with the clinical administrative setting, population needs or any other entity, which may be relevant in improving nursing practice. Furthermore, it is crucial for one to understand his or her views of human. What does it mean to be human, healing, caring, transforming and growing? This beckons the question of whether you are a human being with spiritual experience or you are a spiritual being with human experience. Essentially, this mindset shapes the perception of a person towards the world and enhances the identification of ones position in the caring field.
In the application of this model in nursing practice, an understanding of the concept of evolution is paramount. As a result, it would be important to know whether the interest is centered at personal evolution or involves the transformation of other people with care needs. This piece of work has a far-reaching role and impact in nursing practice. Among other things, it aims at clarifying the maturity of nursing and enhancing its intersection with other health sciences. It is worth noting that nursing caring theory-related activities have continuously been developed in the United States and around the world (Walker & Avant, 2010). Importantly, several hospitals have adopted this approach in augmenting caring and healing among patients; the theory is used in Magnet Hospitals in the United States as a guide (Parker & Smith, 2010, p. 359).
Conclusion
From the above research analysis, it is doubtless that Jean Watsons contribution in nursing practice will forever be applauded. Of great significance is the caring theory, which she developed in late 1970s, to transform the entire nursing practice, by promoting the concept of interdisciplinary practice. Her shift from carative factors to clinical caritas was essential in developing a link between modern, poster-modern and traditional nursing practices.
References
Cara, C. (2003). A pragmatic view of Jean Watsons caring theory. International Journal for Human Caring, 7(3), 51-61.
Parker, M., & Smith, M. (2010). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
Suliman, W. A., Welmann, E., Omer, T., & Thomas, L. (2009). Applying Watsons Nursing Theory to Assess Patient Perceptions of Being Cared for in a Multicultural Environment. Journal of Nursing Research, 17(4), 293-300.
Walker, L., & Avant, K. (2010). Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Watson, J. (1999). Nursing: Human Science and Human Care: A Theory of Nursing. Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Watson, J. (2009). Caring Science and Human Caring Theory: Transforming Personal and Professional Practices of Nursing and Health Care. Journal of Health & Human Services Administration, 31(4), 466-482.
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