Application of Nursing Theory to Practice

An Application of Jean Watson 's Theory of Transpersonal Caring to Nursing Practice

Introduction

Essentially , the Caring theory of Jean Watson is oriented towards human science and focuses on the humanitarian aspect of caring processes occurrences and experiences . It also grounded on a unitary perspective and interconnectedness with elements such as an individual with its community . The caring theory embraces one-sided , philosophical and interpretative as well as objective-empirical analysis and integrates several epistemological approaches that clinical and empirical but at the same time is open to other avenues of acquiring

vital information (Watson , 1988 , 1999

On the theoretical framework , the caring theory of 1979 was founded on the ten carative factors . These are essentially a formation of a Humanistic-altruistic system of values and cultivation of sensitivity to one 's self and to others . It has provisions for a supportive protective , and /or corrective mental , physical , societal , and spiritual environment . Lastly the basic core is grounded on both caring philosophy and science (Watson , 1999

Some suggestions on original carative factors into clinical caritas processes include the formation of humanistic-altruistic value system becomes practice of loving-kindness , Instillation of faith-hope becomes authentically present . Cultivation of sensitivity between the communities becomes going beyond ego self , Development of a human caring relationship becomes helping-trusting an authentic caring relationship and Promotion and acceptance of the expression of positive and negative feelings becomes being supportive of the expression of positive and negative feelings (Watson , 2006

Main Components

Originally , Watson 's theory revolved around three major elements , namely the carative factors , the transpersonal caring relationship , and the caring moment . She stated ten carative factors that served as guidelines for the nursing practice and basically centered on the principles of caring . The transpersonal caring relationship describes how the nurse goes beyond an objective assessment , showing concerns toward the person 's subjective and deeper meaning regarding their own health care situation , while the caring moment is defined as the moment (focal point in space and time ) when the nurse and another person come together in such a way that an occasion for human caring is created (Cara , 2003

In this context , the four essential concepts of nursing - person environment , health , and nursing - are encompassed in the theory . Being holistic in nature , the theory presents its framework as a congregation of all these concepts , centering on the person

Watson regards a person as an individual with unique qualities and unique needs . The person is recognized as a being capable of communicating with another beyond physical interaction . The person is viewed as whole and complete , regardless of illness of disease (Watson 2006

The environment is regarded as a healing space , where the person 's awareness and consciousness can expand and promote mindbodyspirit wholeness and healing (Watson , 1999 . Inevitably , the state of a patient 's environment can influence an individual 's state of health . The physical environment can affect how the person can connect and exist in the spiritual environment created by transpersonal caring relationships and could affect the effectiveness of the science...