NR 501 Week 4 Assignment-Importance of Theory Worksheet Nursing Theorist and Nursing Theory

 According to Jacobson (2017), nursing theories are essential in nursing practice because they are a source of inspiration for nurses. At one point, the nursing theory was considered necessary in nursing practice. However, researchers have argued that nursing theory is unimportant in modern healthcare practice. It is important to note that nursing theory is centered on education, research, and evidence-based practice. These components interact with anchor nursing as an autonomous profession. Jean Watson is one of the well-known theorists whose contribution to nursing has played a vital role in improving care delivery. Watson developed the theory of human caring. She noted that humans cannot be treated as objects or be separated from self (Watson, 2012). Watson’s theory encompasses nursing, emphasizing the interpersonal process between nurses and patients. This paper will discuss the importance of Watson’s nursing theory; it will summarize this theory and discuss how the metaparadigm concepts are addressed by the idea and the application of the approach by nurse practitioners. Also, the paper will reflect what was learned from completing this assignment.

Reasons for Choosing the Theory

 Nurses must understand a nursing theory to be able to apply the concepts of the theory to practice. Jacobson (2017) states that nursing theory guides knowledge development by enhancing research and nursing practice. Nursing theory helps nurses make decisions based on previous research and shows their future course. Watson’s theory of human caring was chosen because it is one of the best theories for training nurses. The theory is built on forgiveness, trust, embracing, and inspiration. This theory is an excellent choice because nurses put their patients in the best positions to help them self-heal. Nurses are considered to be at the heart of the healing of the patients. Moreover, the theory was chosen because it explains that nurses should respect the minds and beliefs of the patients (Johnson et al., 2019).

Summary of Nursing Theory

 Initially, the theory of human caring was developed by Jean Watson in 1975, but it was introduced in nursing practice in 1979. Over the years, the theory has evolved while maintaining the original idea of Watson. Watson argued that her theory of nursing was the only theory that incorporated the spiritual dimension of nursing. The human theory of caring emphasizes the transpersonal caring relationship built between nurses and patients (Watson, 2012). Although Watson’s caring was formed of ten processes to improve care, there are three core elements of Watson’s theories. These include creative factors, transpersonal caring relationships, and caring moments or occasions. This theory has been valuable to many healthcare institutions and nurses because it helps to promote a holistic approach to patient care.