The Theory of Caring states that care is the foundation for nurse-patient relationships. Caring is defined by compassion, empowerment, knowledge, and competence (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). Others argue that it is a characteristic of the seventh vital sign which relates to pain management in patients. The Theory of Caring is a holistic approach developed by Jean Watson. It believes that caring, compassion and empathy are the foundation of nursing. It believes that nurses must practice with their head as well as their heart (Jean Watson Theory of Caring, 2010).
The Theory of Caring states that care is the foundation for nurse-patient relationships (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010) . According to this theory there are six components which make up the concept of caring; these include: compassion, empowerment, knowledge, professionalism, quality support and competence (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). Caring has been identified as one of the attitudes representing an integral part in nursing (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). This theory is sometimes described as the 7th Vital Sign (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010).
According to this theory there are seven components which make up the concept of caring; these include: compassion, empowerment, knowledge, professionalism and quality support (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). To put it simply “caring” means having an interest in others with a desire for their well being. It means wanting what is best for them and doing whatever you can to help them achieve that goal. It has been identified as one of the attitudes representing an integral part in nursing (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010).
To put it simply “caring” means having an interest in others with a desire for their well being. Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring was developed upon the concept that care is fundamental to nursing. This theory breaks down caring into six components including compassion, empowerment, knowledge, professionalism and quality support. These components are said to work together to form caring which acts as an important foundation for nurse-patient relationships (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010).
The Theory of Caring is broken down into seven key concepts that include: Compassion, Empowerment, Knowledge Professionalism Quality Support Diet Adaptation Coping Skills. According to this theory there are six components which make up the concept of caring; these include: compassion, empowerment, knowledge, professionalism and quality support (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). In order to have a strong foundation for nurse-patient relationships it is important that nurses develop their own unique style of care.
In doing so it will allow them to establish good rapport with their patients while providing an increased level of care. It has been identified as one of the attitudes representing an integral part in nursing (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). According to Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring Compassion means being non judgmental and empathetic towards your patient. One should focus on the humanity in a person rather than their illness This aspect of caring relates back to the nurses sense of empathy and how they are able to relate to their patients.
It is said that by having compassion you can better understand your patient. Compassionate nurses model humanistic qualities which will allow them to establish better relationships with their patients (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). Empowerment is another important aspect of care within Jean Watson’s Theory. This means that the nurse must give their patients a level of control in order for them to feel like an equal member of society. Knowledge relates back to the nurses ability to research new information on various conditions and medical procedures.
By doing so they are able to provide the best possible care for their patient. Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring says that the nurse must be knowledgeable in order to provide safe and effective care for their patients (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). Professionalism is based on the nurses sense of self awareness which allows them to not only advocate for themselves but also be an advocate for their patients. In doing so it helps create a better relationship with the nurse and patient.
Quality support encompasses all aspects discussed previously including compassion, empowerment, knowledge and professionalism. All these qualities work together to form caring which acts as an important foundation for nurse-patient relationships (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). On top of everything else Jean Watson Theory of Caring also encourages nurses to be perpetual learners. This means that they should always strive to learn more about their field by provided resources which are readily available for them to use.
When nurses have a high level of knowledge it offers them the opportunity to provide quality care for their patients. Jean Watson developed her Theory of Caring in the 1970s while working at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). She believed that caring is an attitude towards life and was shaped by looking at different cultures around the world. Although Jean Watsons Theory of Caring has been criticized throughout time it is still considered to be one of the most widely used theories in nursing.
It has been applied on many levels including hospitals, schools and long term care facilities (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). Jean Watsons Theory of Caring was developed out a thought process within the 1970s at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The Theory consists of six components which make up caring; these include: compassion, empowerment, knowledge, professionalism and quality support (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010). In order for nurses to have a strong foundation with their patients it is important that they develop their own unique style of care.
In doing so it will allow them establish good relationships with their patients, as well as empower them to have a sense of self worth. The Theory of Caring was developed due to Jean Watson’s interest in nursing and how it could be improved upon. She believed that caring is an attitude towards life and was influenced by looking at cultures around the world. Along with being influenced through studying different cultures she also discusses how nurses have been viewed from a historical perspective. In doing so she says that “nurses are often seen as angels who can do no wrong” (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010).
In order for nurses to become effective it is important that they develop their own way of caring which will allow them to establish better relationships with their patients. The Theory has been criticized throughout time for not putting enough emphasis on the patient. In addition, Jean Watson Theory also puts a heavy emphasis on the relationship between nurses and patients which may cause some problems when implemented in the real world. In doing so it can be difficult to build rapport with patients due to their lack of knowledge about nursing procedures and care plans (Holistic Nursing Theory Jean Watson Theory, 2010).
