Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring: Metaparadigm By: Sheldon Hubert

Jean Watson Caring is a moral ideal that can be demonstrated through curative factors (nursing interventions) that allow for contact between the subjective world of the experiencing persons (Watson/1985).

THE PERSON (PATIENT) Is subjective and unique, not objective, predictable and calculating. Has distinct human needs, which are biophysical, psychophysical, psychosocial and interpersonal. Is to be valued, cared for, respected, nurtured, understood and assisted. Is a functioning whole, there is no division among the mind, body and spirit (George/2002). Is directly influenced by their external environment.

THE ENVIRONMENT Is crucial to the holistic healing (mental, physical, social, emotional, spiritual, developmental, protective, supportive environments), which is conducive to a patients health and wellbeing, and it also affects the nurses within a caring-healing model (Bernick, 2004). Contains “noise, privacy, light, access to nature, color, space and smells that can have an impact on the caring-healing process” (Watson/1999). Includes the nurse’s presence, voice, touch, consciousness, face and feelings (Watson, 2005). Is usually designed as a home-like environment but these “systems still fall short as healing spaces” (Watson/1999).

HEALTH Is viewed holistically, as the unity between the physical, social, mental and spiritual self, with all parts working together in harmony and functioning to their full capacity. Is a perceived by the patient and is influenced by their own unique life experiences (Bernick/2004). Entirely includes a individuals physical, social, aesthetic and moral realms, not just their behaviour and physiology (George/2002).

NURSING Is a caring, meaningful and harmonic connective bond that is shared between the nurse and the patient (George/2002), which is known as “sacred space” (Watson/2005). Is providing caring, professional and thoughtful interactions to restore and promote holistic health and to prevent illness. “Is a presence of infinity love/spirit/universal energy,” which provides support and care needed for inner healing (Watson/2005). Provides a supportive human presence, with voice, touch, facial expression, feelings and consciousness (Watson/2005). Is a holistic practice that is complementary to medicine, but different.

Presentation References George, J. (2002). Nursing Theories: The Base for Professional Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Bernick, L. (2004). Caring for Older Adults: Practice Guided by Watson’s Caring-Healing Model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(2) 128-134 Watson, J. (1985). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. Colorado: Associated University Press. Watson, J. (1999). Postmodernism and Knowledge Development in Nursing. Perspectives on Philosophy of Science in Nursing: An Historical and Contemporary Anthology, Lippincott, 471-6 Watson, J. (2005). Holding Holy Spaces in Our Face, Hands and Hearts. Caring Science as Sacred Science, FA Davis, 92-96

Picture References Holding Heart Picture: www.ps21.gov.sg/.../2007_12/images/caring.jpg Caring Dad Picture: www.coloradoan.com/graphics/blogs/caring_dads.jpg Nursing Art Picture: www.adventurequilter.com/.../Caring-web.jpg Jean Watson Picture: www.sttialphakappa.org/Watson_Jean.jpg Patient Picture: www.spacelabs.com/patient-monitoring-connectivity/images/patient-monitoring-connectivity.jpg Environment Picture: http://nymag.com/health/besthospitals/24095 Health Picture: http://www.freehealthandwellnessinfo.com/health%20wellness%20articles%20-%20apple%20image.jpg Nursing Picture: www.centegra.org/.../Nurse_and_Patient.jpg