Watson's Theory of Caring Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Watson's Theory of Caring - Term Paper Example It goes without saying that the profession and discipline of nursing is primarily about human care. So, if nursing is essentially about caring than it is imperative that the nurses ought to make a conscious effort to inculcate the element of care in all the major aspects of their profession, be it the nursing education, the administrative or clinical aspects of nursing or the future research related to nursing (McGraw, 2002, p. 98). It is imperative for healthcare systems to retain human caring as the core of their existence. To further the aspect of human caring, Watson propounded the theory of human care. Watson realized that the expansion of health facilities around the world has manifolded augmented the work load of nurses. In that context the nurses are required to deal with healthcare situations that are more complex and variegated. So nurses are required to retain caring as the essential aspect of their practice and Jean Watson’s theory of caring is peculiarly associate d with this aspect of nursing. Jean Watson’s theory of caring connects the nursing profession to the very roots of its profession and actually lays down the framework for defining an ideal nurse (McGraw, 2002, p. 97). Dr. Jean Watson is a renowned American scholar in nursing. Dr. Watson got her undergraduate degree in nursing and psychology from University of Colorado. She further earned a Masters in psychiatric-mental health and a Ph.D. in educational psychology and counseling. Watson accrued several national and international awards and honors and propounded the Theory of Caring. Watson’s Theory of caring is based on some salient assumptions (Watson, 1979). It is only in an interpersonal perspective that nursing care can be extended, administered and managed. Caring has to do with some essential carative factors that satisfy some basic human needs. Effective caring not only allows for a salubrious recuperation but also promotes individual and family health. Caring is not only about accepting the people as they are in a present context, but also accepting what they could become in a futuristic context. Good caring allows the individuals a full scope for the development of their innate potential, and also allows and helps people make the choices that are in their best interest, at a particular point of time. The caring aspect of nursing complements the overall process of curing. Above all, the discipline and concept of caring should constitute the core of nursing profession. Based on these assumptions, Dr. Watson extended and recognized ten carative factors that go a long way in retaining and propagating the humanistic aspects of nursing. These ten carative factors given by Watson constitute the essential core of Watson’s Theory of Caring. The ten carative factors given by Watson are: Humanistic System of Values: Caring should be centered on a value system that is affiliated to the essential universal, humanistic values (Watson, 1999). Suc h humanistic values include within their scope the notions of empathy, kindness, self love and the love for humanity. Sustaining Faith and Hope: The development of the profession of nursing and healthcare is full of examples highlighting the importance of faith and hope. This factor lays emphasis on recognizing and appreciating the deep seated beliefs and values of an individual in the overall process of caring and curing (Watson, 1999). Sensitivity towards others: The essential aspect of being a human is the ability to feel. The best possible way towards accruing sensitivity towards oneself and others is to recognize one’s deep seated feelings. Feelings play a central role in the endeavor of being compassionate and