Evolution of the Theory of Human Caring The evolution of Jean Watson and her theory is challenging a paradigm shift in the culture of nursing to a more spiritual and loving focus . Watson, 2007 The Theory of Human Caring calls for nurses to move their practice “beyond ‘clinicalizing’ and ‘medicalizing’ of the human condition” (Watson, 2006). It requires nurses to consider the patient as a whole of body, spirit and mind.

Metaparadigms There are four metaparadigms within the Theory of Human Caring Model: Person, Environment, Health and Nursing.

PERSON: A human being has needs (biophysical, psychophysical, psychosocial and intrapersonal) that are to be valued, respected, supported and cared for. The metapardigm of Person is a human being has needs (biophysical, psychophysical, psychosocial and intrapersonal) that are to be valued, respected, supported and cared for.

ENVIRONMENT: The environment should be conducive to holistic healing (mentally, physically, socially, spiritually) as it is critical to the patients well being. The environment should be conducive to holistic healing (mentally, physically, socially, spiritually) as it is critical to the patient’s well being.

HEALTH: Health is viewed in a holistic approach; it is being able to function mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially to your full capacity. Health is viewed in a holistic approach; it is being able to function mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially to your full capacity.

NURSING: The contact and the bond between two individuals is the foundation of nursing. The last metaparadigm of nursing involves the contact and the bond between two individuals as the foundation of nursing. By providing professional, caring, and thoughtful interactions with our patients nurses promote holistic health and prevent illness.

Watson’s Practice Methodology Requirements: Transpersonal Caring Relationships Authentic Presencing Clinical application of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring can be utilized by developing a transpersonal caring relationship with the patient and by being authentically present.

Transpersonal Caring Relationships When we look at transpersonal caring relationships, there is specific criteria Jean Watson defines as required to develop this relationship.

The Nurse Sees: Not defined by illness or disease Everyone as unique and whole Not defined by illness or disease First and foremost, the nurse must consider each person or patient to be unique and whole. One should not define the patient by his/her illness or disease. The patient is not a product of the hospital environment nor should he/she be defined by it.

The Nurse: Actively engages in the well being of her patient. The nurse commits to and actively engages in protecting, enhancing and projecting human dignity, wholeness and healing at the level which meets or exceeds ones own expectations. The relationship goes deeper than just an eight hour shift, the nurse has a vested interest in the entire healing process of this individual.