Personal Definition of Nursing Theory Like Most

Personal Definition of Nursing

Nursing Theory

Like most facilities, my institution stresses that it cares for its patients. Its belief in the value of caring and the place of caring at the center of nursing practice has caused it to make Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory the core of its philosophy. Watson's theory states that caring is an interpersonal science and a "caring environment is one that offers the development of potential while allowing the person to choose the best action for himself or herself at a given point in time" (Jean Watson's theory of nursing, 2012, Current Nursing). One critical assumption that I see implemented in my practice is the idea that "caring is more 'healthogenic' than is curing. A science of caring is complementary to the science of curing" (Jean Watson's theory of nursing, 2012, Current Nursing). Nursing may be a science, but nurses must always remember that the science of caring is at the forefront of their practice (Nursing models of care, 2013, Highland Hospital)

For example, even in the case of a terminally ill patient, a nurse can still provide assistance to improve the mental health and state of well-being of that individual. For persons who are still healthy, the nurse can foster positive health behaviors in areas such as preventative medicine, nutrition, and psychological health. For patients who can be cured, while the nurse provides care, the nurse also acts as a caring teacher to guide the patient to be able to undertake more effective self-care processes.

Of course, as much as the facility tries to implement Watson's theory, it is not always possible to do so perfectly in practice. Nurses are often overscheduled and work many hours. Sometimes it can be very tempting to be efficient at the expense of caring. When I must, I try to be compassionate towards the patient even though sometimes I need to carefully 'zone in' on the specific facets of his or her condition that needs care, versus more subjective aspects of his or her illness. It is particularly challenging with older individuals who have little support structure and often seem to need emotional solace as much as physical treatment of their complaints. Caring can be very fatiguing for the nurse, but without caring from others people cannot heal.

I would say that my practice is a blend of caring science and Virginia Henderson's concept that nursing is about "increasing the patient's independence so that progress after hospitalization would not be delayed" (Virginia Henderson's nursing theory, 2012, Current Nursing). Since patients' time in the hospital is usually of a relatively short duration, it is my responsibility to ensure that I can confidently discharge them to care for themselves or to be cared for others. For example, if I am releasing a mother with a sick child, the mother must understand the child's correct dosage, appropriate diet, symptoms to be concerned about, and I must also be able to provide reassurance that the mother can accomplish those tasks. However, the principle of caring must also be manifested in my manner when I address the mother's and the child's emotional needs that have arisen as a result of the illness.