Jean Watson, Nursing Theorist
Reason for Choosing: I chose Jean Watson’s nursing theory because it aligns with my personal beliefs about nursing and the importance of caring for the whole person, not just their illness.
Summary of Nursing Theory: Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasizes the importance of caring in nursing. According to this theory, caring is the heart of nursing. It also suggests that care is essential for healing. These concepts are the Caritas Processes, love, compassion empathy and presence. They also believe that nursing can be a healing profession if nurses have caring relationships with their patients. (Alligood, 2014)
Nursing Metaparadigm: Watson’s theory addresses each of the metaparadigm concepts. A person must be viewed holistically. This includes their spiritual, physical and emotional needs. Not only is health the absence or promotion of good health, but it also includes the elimination of sickness. Environment is viewed as an environment for care. The physical, cultural, and social aspects of the environment all have an impact on health and healing. The nursing profession can be described as caring and focused on improving health through close relationships with patients. (Alligood, 2014)
Usefulness of Theory to Nursing: Watson’s theory is useful to nursing because it emphasizes the importance of caring in nursing practice. It can be used to help nurses give more holistic care to patients, and foster healing through compassionate relationships. Focusing on care can make patients feel valued and heard, which could lead to better outcomes.
Application of Nursing Theory to Specialty: As a Nurse Educator, I would apply Watson’s theory by incorporating caring into my teaching. It could mean encouraging students to look at their patients holistically and to promote caring relationships. I would also incorporate reflective exercises that help students think about ways they can be more compassionate and caring.
Self-reflection: Through completing this assignment, I learned more about Jean Watson’s nursing theory and how it can be applied in practice. It was also an opportunity to learn about caring and the benefits it has on patient outcomes.