Jean Watson’s Nursing Theory

The nursing profession continues to be one of the most profound professions. To better understand the various aspects associated with the profession, researchers have proposed what is referred to as nursing theories, which are specific conjectures that help to explain the varying situations that nurses encounter in the field. One particular theory that presents an informative model for assessing and examining situations is Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring. A grand nursing theory, the foundation of Watson's rationale is that nurses should emphatically be involved in the care of patients.

The Theory of Human Caring

Nursing Theory (2014) describes Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring as addressing patient issues and problems from a holistic perspective. Specifically, Watson explores the benevolent side of nurses in dealing with patients and that this kindness should be demonstrable. Moreover, the theory states that the nurse should care for the patient as he or she is as well as examine the potential of what he or she may eventually become (p.1). Essentially, Watson's theory is built on the concept of the nurse being supportive and needing to have a warm bedside manner. 

Nursing Theory (2014) goes on to state that there are four specific aspects within the theory: health, human begins, the environment in which human beings exist and the field of nursing itself. Each particular aspect of the theory functions together making the theory notable in terms of being able to be applied to many different types of patients and circumstances (p.1). Given Watson's theory is centered on a holistic approach, there is a driving element of spirituality within it. In other words, every aspect of the theory is focused upon an individual's spiritual side - both the patient and the nurse - must summon forth their hope and faith in the face of situations that can be troubling and perplexing. For Watson, being a nurse is having a consciousness for caring and becoming immersed in helping from a heart-centered approach. Watson (2010) documents that nurses should have a moral commitment and dedication to enhancing the lives of the patients that they encounter regardless of the situation. To do this, the nurse should honor the patient in terms of what the person may need, what the person hopes for and the specifics associated with the routine of that patient (p.1-2). Because Watson's theory has a spiritual component, many researchers have tried to better grasp the theory as it relates to the field of nursing. Most, if not all researchers tend to look at the ethical side of the theory – in terms of the extent by which nurses should assist the patient.

Lachman (2012) asserts that ethics is always the case regardless of theory type, but that Watson's theory forces the subject in terms of the specific responsibility that a nurse has for his/her patient. The caring dynamics denote an intensive and deep connection to the spirit within oneself and the spirit of the patient to produce an authentic relationship (p.112-113). Watson's theory forces every individual who wants to be a nurse and to use it, to examine the extents they want to go to both support and help the patient. This is why the ethics of it often comes under such scrutiny. Watson's theory of caring is one of the newer grand theories in nursing and proposes as necessary spiritual recognition that no other theory utilizes and there is a considerable possibility that it may make the patient, the nurse or both uncomfortable if he/she is not spiritual. Arguments can be made, however, that a nurse should not use the theory if he/she does not recognize a spiritual component in themselves – or rather are not in touch with who he/she is. 

Application of Watson’s Theory to Disease

Watson (2010) identifies that for the patient to believe that the nurse cares about their wellbeing, that a moment must be achieved in the relationship. The consciousness element of the theory encourages the nurse to cause the patient to reflect on their dilemma and try to understand it as much as possible to increase the quality of the healing, if applicable and to inspire the individual to have faith that things will be better through the medical knowledge they obtain from interacting with the nurse (p.1-2). When looking at Watson's theory through the eyes of a disease, it allows for a better understanding of how to treat the disease because there is both a spiritual and physical reality component. In other words, the patient and nurse can summon potential healing from both the spiritual and physical as opposed to solely the physical which is the case with other grand theories. 

One particular disease that Watson's theory can be applied to is kidney disease. In its basic form, kidney disease occurs when the kidneys begin to become damaged due to a poor "immune system; urinary tract infections; inflammation; drugs and toxins [or] congenital defects" ("Understanding Kidney Disease - the Basics," 2014). Watson's theory can assist the nurse in developing a particular regimen for the patient with kidney disease that would include prayer and meditation in conjunction with precise medication to treat the systems that emerge from the disease. The application of Watson's theory must be intensive and detailed, and there should be a definitive relationship formed between the patient and the nurse before it is used.

Personal Reaction 

Watson's theory, in my opinion, is one of the most extensive grand theories that can be applied to nursing. While the theory contends that both the nurse and patient have a spiritual side, consideration can be given to individuals that do not believe in a spiritual reality. In essence, the spiritual component in an individual can be birthed if the theory is applied even if there is no definite proclamation or observation of a force outside of themselves. 

References

Lachman, V. L. (2012, March). Applying the Ethics of Care to Your Nursing Practice. Medsurg Nursing, 21(2), 112-116. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/Resources/Applying-the-Ethics-of-Care-to-Your-Nursing-Practice.pdf

Nursing Theory. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org/

Understanding Kidney Disease -- the Basics. (2014). Retrieved from WebMD website: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-kidney-disease-basic-information

Watson, J. (2010). Core Concepts of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring/Caring Science [Guide]. Retrieved from Watson Caring Science Institute website: http://watsoncaringscience.org/files/Cohort%206/watsons-theory-of-human-caring-core-concepts-and-evolution-to-caritas-processes-handout.pdf