Watson’s Nursing Theory of Caring Bonnie M. Burmood Chamberlain College of Nursing

       Nursing theory has become a significant part in Nursing professional. Nursing theory has been defined as “a set of concepts and principles that define the scientific basis of nursing profession” (Iskandarani, Al Hammadi, Al Gizani, 2012, pg.115.) Nursing theories comprise both methods used in deriving the theories that are deductive and inductive reasoning. According to the study conducted, a nursing theory can be used to organize the nursing concepts thus explaining, predicting and controlling their practices (Kreitzer, 2015.) Theories are the backbone structure of the nursing practice and provide a method for collecting and analyzing data that is used to describe, predict nursing practices. Application of theory by nurse can influence the outcomes of the patient satisfactory scores, workflow design and patient care delivery.  

      Ultimately, the use of and development of the nursing theory is to aid in the improvement of patient care. Over the years, there are many theories and theorist that have been introduced in the nursing professional and has made a significant impact. However, this paper will focus on Jean Watson’s nursing theory caring. This paper will discuss the importance of nursing theory, summary of Jean Watson’s nursing theory, and application of Watson’s theory to a Nurse Practitioner role in nursing.

Importance of Nursing Theory

     Nursing theory plays an important role in the nursing profession. Theories provides the framework and the standards of nursing. The beginning of nursing theory began with Florence Nightingale in the 19th century. Theories help nurses use evidence based practice to drive their practice and to ensure patient outcomes. There are different theories available and the choice of theory depends on the situation of the person or the nursing facility. Nursing theories not only provides the direction and the structure of the nursing professional, but it forms a basis for education and research. The nursing theories are what differentiate the focus of Nursing from other fields. The nursing theories also serves as guides in the nursing assessment, intervention and evaluation of nursing care.

Also Read: Jean Watson Human caring nursing theory essay Examples

     By the nursing professional adapting a nursing theory, they gain a separate identity in the healthcare, as they provide patients and the healthcare professional to understand what the nurses provide and the role they play in the healthcare settings. Nursing theory is “used in all aspects of nursing care and assists the practicing nurse professionals in organizing, understanding, and analyzing patient data” (Matney, Avant, & Staggers, 2016.) Being a master nurse, nursing theory is important in everyday routine of the nurses. Masters programs help improve students understanding of the metaparadigm and improve analysis and assessment skills. Although, some of the research and experience indicates that some nurses believe that they can practice nursing without the use of nursing theory. However, to aid in the improvement of nursing profession, it is encouraged that hospitals and schools should follow a theoretical model and encourages staffs and the nursing students to use Nursing theories in the clinical practice (Iskandarani, Al Hammadi, & Al Gizani, 2012, pg. 121.)

Summary of Jean Watson’s Nursing Theory

     The Theory of Human Caring was introduced and developed by Jean Watson. This caring theory by Jean Watson was developed between the years 1975-1979. However, studies indicate that the latest development of the theory was done in 2007 Which led to the establishment of the Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI). WCSI is a nonprofit foundation that focuses on the model of caring, updating when needed, translating the model, and ensuring caring and healing for the public among other factors. Watson is a modern-day theorist who developed the theory of human caring focusing in on a holistic approach. Watson believed that for a person to be fully cured, the healing progression had to include mind, body, and soul. In Watson’s theory, there are ten carative factors of love-heart centered compassion. These factors were executed into theory to support and augment the caring occasion. Watson pointed out that “caring is the moral ideal of nursing whereby the end if protection, enhancement, and preservation of human dignity” (Pajnkihar, Stiglic, & Vrbnjak, 2017, para 1.) Watson addresses three of the four metaparadigm concepts in her theo