Jean Watson’s Nursing Theory and Application Strategies

Jean Watson’s Nursing Theory and Application Strategies

How does Jean Watson’s theory influence current practice? What is the importance of the theory of human caring in nursing? Find out the answers to these and other questions in our essay sample on the application of Jean Watson theory in nursing practice.

Table of Contents

Application of Jean Watson Theory in Nursing Practice Essay Introduction

It is worth noting that during education and training, medical personnel studies the basic principles of various nursing theories and the way they should be applied to practice. Nevertheless, when entering into practice, healthcare specialists are not always guided by their principles. One of the fundamental theories studied during nurse education is the concept proposed by Jean Watson, which provides for a humanistic approach to the activities of medical personnel. The purpose of this paper is to review this theory and analyze its significance in terms of nursing practice.

Theory’s Background and Influencing Factors

The theory of Jean Watson is based on the author’s individual observations of the process of caring as well as on her generalizations of the existing experience. The influencing factors that have pushed Watson to propose this theory were the desire to give a new meaning to the nursing profession and characterize its system of values, ethics, and mission in society (Lachman, 2012). In addition, the theorist sought to draw attention to the significance of nursing care in the healthcare system and separate it into an independent discipline.

Watson argues that the current stage of nursing science development should be regarded as a platform for the evolvement of nursing care, and it is the right time not to limit it to specific industries but rather include other branches of science such as philosophy, ecology, education, humanities, and so on in nursing.

Regarding the author’s worldview, she regards nursing care as a unique art of healing that complements the main therapeutic actions. In particular, the values of nursing care, as well as the expertise and skills directed at a person requiring help along with his or her internal processes, are most effectively combined with traditional drug therapy (Lachman, 2012). In addition, focusing on the values and mission of nursing staff, the theorist balances the curative focus of care. From the point of view of her approach, nursing encompasses disciplinary, scientific, and professional practice.

Underlying Assumptions

Jean Watson’s theory belongs to the group of middle-range concepts, which view patient and specialist’s interaction with the individual as the most crucial element of care. The essence of the theory centers around an understanding that care providers should be comprehensive and holistic, which means that nurses should ensure that an individual could heal on the levels of body, mind, and spirit. Experts in the field emphasize that this approach to care provision compiles art and science (Pajnkihar, McKenna, Stiglic, & Vrbnjak, 2017). One of the critical assumptions lies in the fact that this theory gives latitude to the changing environment and provides a platform for the alterations in the nursing practice.

In general, the concept entails four essential elements, which are person, health, setting, and care. The other critical elements are transpersonal caring relationships and an exhibition of love and hope for the patient (Pajnkihar et al., 2017). According to the author, the process of care will be beneficial for the patient when the nurse comprehends the spiritual and personal efforts she or he has to contribute when furnishing care.

Apart from that, it is necessary to dwell upon the seven principles that form the theory. First, caring can become efficient only in cases when it has an interpersonal character. Second, care implies addressing patient needs through creative aspects (Pajnkihar et al., 2017). Third, care should not delineate a patient’s well-being from personal or family growth. Fourth, care should stimulate a patient’s visions of the future. Fifth, an effective healthcare setting should provide individuals with an opportunity to make independent health-related choices. The sixth and seventh principles imply that caring should be a complementary measure to the main course of treatment and that nurses should hold the practice of caring focal to all their actions.

Strengths and Weakness of the Theory

Notably, the theory has both supporters and those who oppose this approach to nursing care. The particular strengths of this concept are that it puts patients in the family, community, and cultural environment. In addition, it views an individual as the hea