Jean Watson and his Human Caring theory

Grand Theorist Report
Introduction
Nursing theory is delineated as an organized, methodical set of conceptions, delineations and statements that outline nursing phenomena and can be employed to forecast or elucidate outcomes. Specifically, grand nursing theories are intangible abstract structures that emanate from nursing models and propose results on the basis of use together with application of the model. The grand theorist selected for this analysis is Jean Watson specifically for the Human Caring theory. The Theory of Human Caring was in the beginning deemed a perspective regarding nursing and started in 1979 in Watson’s book titled Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. It was initially an endeavor to lay emphasis of connotation to nursing as its own line of work and discipline. What is more, the theory was developed as a viewpoint regarding nursing and care and was primarily envisioned to express an assimilated and precise nursing curriculum (Goldin and Kautz, 2010). The rationale for selection is owing to the fact that Jean Watson’s Human Caring theory is a nursing theory that is more dedicated, material and geared towards practice.
Theory Assumptions
Within the Human Caring Theory, Jean Watson makes seven different suppositions. First, there is the assumption that caring can be efficaciously displayed and practiced solely interpersonally. Secondly, caring comprises of restorative elements that give rise to the satisfaction of particular human needs. Third, efficacious caring leads to the promotion of health as well as individual or household growth. The fourth supposition that caring reactions accept the patient in the way that he or she is at the present moment in addition to how the patient may end up becoming. The fifth assumption is that a caring setting is one that makes available the development and advancement of the potential whilst permitting the patient to carefully select the most ideal action for him or herself at a particular point in time. Sixth, the knowledge of caring complements the knowledge of curing. Most of all, there is the supposition that the practice of caring is fundamental and pivotal to nursing (Wayne, 2018).
Major Concepts of the Theory
The key concepts of the Human Caring theory comprise of a caring relationship, carative factors, and caring moments.
1. Carative Factors
Jean Watson established and advanced ten different carative factors to function as guiding principles for nursing practice. To begin with, there is the carative factor of practicing affection and compassion by means of a humanistic and selfless system of values. The sustenance of faith, hope as well as system of trust of oneself together with those of other individuals is a second carative factor. Third, there is the cognizance or understanding to both self and others. It is imperative to note that the aforementioned three carative factors are encompassed within the caritas practice and are the philosophical basis for the caring knowledge of nursing (Goldin and Kautz, 2010).
The other seven carative factors emanate from a philosophical basis. These carative factors comprise of the development and sustenance of relationships that are trusting, compassionate, and aiding. The fifth carative factor takes into account being existent to and providing support to the constructive and adversarial feelings experienced by self and also delineated by others. An additional factor within the caritas process encompasses the creative use of self in addition to the manners in which understanding to solving problems and the engagement in the healing practices. What is more there is the carative factor of teaching and learning within an inter-personal caring relationship. Furthermore, there is the factor of creating a healing setting at all levels comprising of the physical, mental, social and spiritual levels. The other remaining factors include providing care and assistance with basic needs and being open to the existential and spiritual prospects within and surrounding a caring relationship (Watson and Woodward, 2010).
2. Caring Relationship
The Human Caring theory also encompasses another key concept of transpersonal relationships, which is dependent on the cognizance of the nurses of both self and others. Imperatively, the relationship is reliant on a caring awareness and perception to honor an individual’s essence together with a dedication to safeguard and augment human self-esteem. The purposeful inclination to link with a patient gives rise to a trusting association with a setting beneficial to healing. It demonstrates apprehension for an individual’s actual self, and an inclination to perceive a circumstance from their standpoint. This delineates the individuality of the patient and the nurse, while at the same time accentuating the mutuality in the quest of fullness, welfare, coherence, sense of balance or even the pursuing for meaning in a circumstance or illness (Watson and Woodward, 2010).
3. Caring Moment
These are moments when transactions between human beings occur, generating a prospect for human caring. The familiarity may comprise of emotional states, anticipations, sensations, and expressions that might be either verbal or non-verbal. These caring moments are centered on the standpoints of the nurse and the patient and in overall mirror preceding experiences, the present of an individual and the make-believe future. Importantly, the caring moment is experienced by the patient and subsequently the caregiver and is impacted by the activities that are undertaken or not undertaken within the transpersonal relationship. More notably, the caring moment permits for the existence of the essence of the patient receiving care and the caregiver (Watson and Woodward, 2010).
Major Propositions of the Theory
The Philosophy and Science of Caring takes into account the manner in which nurses show and demonstrate care to their patients. Caring is pivotal to nursing practice and encourages health better in comparison to a basic remedial cure. Jean Watson gives the proposition that holistic methodology to health care is fundamental to the practice of caring in nursing (Wayne, 2016).


References
Goldin, M., & Kautz, D. (2010). Applying Watson’s Caring Theory and caritas processes to ease life transitions. The International Journal for Human Caring, 14, (1), 11-14.
Watson, J., & Woodward, T. K. (2010). Jean Watson’s theory of human caring. Nursing theories and nursing practice, 3, 351-369.
Wayne, G. (2016). Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Nurse Labs. Retrieved 28 May, 2018 from: https://nurseslabs.com/jean-watsons-philosophy-theory-transpersonal-caring/#description