Running head: THE ART OF CARING 1

The Art of Caring in Dr. Jean Watsons

Human Caring Model

Kimberly Roessler

East Tennessee State University

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The Art of Caring in Dr. Jean Watsons

Human Caring Model

Nurse and care are words that relate to one another. In Tabors Cyclopedia Medical

Dictionary, a nurse is defined as an individual who provides health care; to perform the duties

of caring for the sick; to care for a young child. Dr. Jean Watsons theory of human caring

provides the nursing community with a guide to practice the art of caring and it helps to uphold

with compassion and love a patients dignity (Cara, 2003, p.51). Along with Dr. Watsons

background and accomplishments, this paper includes her theorys concepts, and the relationship

it has to my passion for choosing nursing as a profession. My past involvement has been with

the geriatric population as a nursing assistant, coordinating activities for an assisted living

community and, currently, caring for a relative with moderate dementia. Dr. Watsons human

caring theory helps the patient find a balance of mind, body and soul. She gives the nurse the

essential guide to enrich anothers life, thus one of the main reasons I chose nursing.

Jean Watson was born in West Virginia and followed her passion for nursing in Colorado.

Her background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado in

nursing and psychiatric-mental health nursing and a PhD in educational psychology and

counseling. From the same university, she attained the highest honor for scholarly work, the title

of Distinguished Professor of Nursing. She also holds the nations first endowed chair in Caring

Science at the University of Colorado Denver & Health Sciences Center. She is a widely

published author of many books including The Philosophy and Science of Caring. She has eight

Honorary Doctoral Degrees which include five International Honorary Doctorates. Her works
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are used in clinical and academic settings across the world, teaching the art and science of caring

in nursing and the theory of human caring. The Watson Caring Science Institute, a non-profit

organization, was created in 2008 to promote her theories worldwide (International caritas

consortium, 2011).

Dr. Watsons caring model consists of 3 major components: the ten carative factors,

transpersonal care, and the caring occasion (Cara, 2003). The caring concepts listed in the 10

carative factors assist the nurse in human fulfillment for both the nurse and the patient. The first

three carative factors involve development of early age values, providing a sense of wellness

through faith and hope, and creating sensitivity in personal interactions. These elements are the

foundation for the remaining seven processes. They encompass problem-solving, teaching,

human feelings and needs, and spirituality (Jean Watsons philosophy,2011). With the nursing

profession ever changing and evolving in the clinical environment, Dr. Watsons ten carative

factors have developed into ten caritas processes which take love, caring and spiritual depth to

another level. Transpersonal caring is her second concept which is defined as reaching into ones

inner self to feel a deep spiritual quality that will encompass the processes of comfort and

healing. This caring relationship protects ones dignity and inner peace. The third concept

involves a caring occasion. The nurse has her own self-awareness and inner presence when in a

caring moment with the patient. The two beings allow their spirits to open up making the

moment of caring transpersonal thus creating many possibilities for human connections (A

call to care, 2008).

My interest in the profession of nursing encompasses Dr. Watsons theory and stems from

daily interactions with the geriatric population. Being the primary caregiver for my aunt who has
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dementia involves me and other nurses assisting in her care. The care she receives is ultimately

the most important factor. Compassion and reassurance for the patient and the patients family

helps the nurse to practice the art of caring. Watson is one of the only theorists who include the

care-giver as well as the person being cared for in her guidelines (Cara, 2003). Each day is a

new day, and brings about new challenges especially for someone with dementia and the nurse or

caregiver must take time to care and be sensitive to these needs. In caring for my aunt, watching

facial expressions and behavior and listening to the tone of her voice communicates feelings of

emotion that she may not be able to convey in words to the nurse. The nurse can relate this to

the transpersonal relationship of Dr. Watsons theory. Although the words may not be spoken,

the nurse still acknowledges and respects her inner needs. She may also ask many times the

same questions: Wheres my housemy carmy bedwhen do we eat? The nurses role is

one of support and reassurance, to help her feel secure and safe if shes in an unfamiliar

atmosphere. This is an example of one of Watsons carative factors which is providing

environmental support and security. In geriatric care, the focus is on enhancing the quality of life,

spending caring time whether its exercising, singing songs, telling stories or just visiting.

Sharing uninterrupted time between the nurse and patient is very important and supports the

concept of a caring occasion in Watsons model. Dr. Watsons theory stimulates the human

caring factor and helps lead the nurse to a more effective discipline of caring for the patient and

their family.

The care and comfort I provide my aunt, helps to fulfill her daily needs, but

unfortunately, I cannot slow the progression of her dementia or its symptoms. But Dr. Watsons

theory reflects that a persons sense of well-being is from caring and according to Watson, 2003:
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Caring may occur without curing but curing cannot occur without caring (Vance, 2003). Dr.

Watsons theory reflects the true meaning of caring for a patient and a framework for the nurse to

make a difference. Promoting self-worth, healing and caring, with a focus in geriatrics are all

reasons I chose the nursing profession. I will make a difference.

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References

A call to care. (2008). Nursing Theories.Blogspot. Retrieved July 17, 2008, from

http://nursingtheories.blogspot.com/2008/07/jean-watsons-theory-of-human-caring.html

Cara, C. (2003). A pragmatic view of Jean Watsons caring theory. International Journal for

Human Caring, 7(3), 51-52. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

International caritas consortium. (2011). Watson Caring Science. Retrieved from

http://www.watsoncaringscience.org/

Jean Watsons philosophy of nursing. (2011). Current Nursing. Retrieved June 21, 2011, from

http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Watson.html

Vance, T. (2003). Caring and the professional practice of nursing. RN Journal. Retrieved from

http://www.rnjournal.com/journal_of_nursing/caring.htm

Venes, Donald (Ed 21.). (2001). Tabors cyclopedia medical dictionary. Philadelphia, PA:

F.A. Davis Company.