Jean Watson’s Nursing as Caring Theory Essay

Meaning

Jean Watson is a nursing living legend, who developed a theory and proved the importance of a transpersonal caring-healing moment in nursing (Clark, 2016). The main idea is to put the care of science as a core value in nursing. Caring should not be defined as a discipline that has to be taught only but as a foundation developed by a successful combination of metaphysical, philosophical, and even moral paradigms concerning human uniqueness (Santos et al., 2014). Watson introduces her theory as an epistemic endeavor regarding which a systematic study of caring includes crucial ethical and philosophical aspects. The main assumptions include the interpersonal practice of caring, the satisfaction of human needs, the promotion of health and personal growth, acceptance of patients, and the creation of a welcoming, caring environment.Jean Watson’s Nursing as Caring Theory Essay

Watson develops four concepts: a human being, health, environment, and nursing. The relations between these concepts cannot be neglected. It is hard to define which concept is more important. It is not necessary to promote hierarchies but to accept all these concepts as one whole. For example, a human being is a person who asks for care, respect, and understanding, which may be provided in an appropriate environment where health is promoted by nurses as a harmony of body and soul. If one variable is removed, the effectiveness of the whole process may be put under a question. There is a kind of actual caring occasion under which the cooperation between a nurse and a patient achieves its perfection and improves the quality of care offered by nurses. Therefore, concepts may not affect each other but improve overall nursing.Jean Watson’s Nursing as Caring Theory Essay

Origins of the Theory

Nursing as Caring Theory was developed in the middle of the 1970s. During those years, the field of nursing and healthcare was changed considerably. Nurses demonstrated their values and abilities to make independent decisions, combine technical skills with clinical judgments. Being directly involved in nursing after the sudden death of her father after a heart attack, Watson was able to study and experience nursing from different perspectives. She was a student at the University of Colorado. Then, she was involved in numerous nursing practices. Finally, she became a professor and developed her skills. In her interviews, Watson admitted that her motivation was her frustration with the quality of nursing that was offered to people at the moment.