Nursing is a complex profession to practice especially when it relates to dealing with patients from different cultural backgrounds. This study focuses on the effectiveness of Watson Caring Model as developed by Jean Watson. The concepts behind the nursing model are respective theories are clearly identified in this study. Justifications as to why this model must be adopted are also provided in this study.
Transcultural Nursing Model
Trans-cultural Nursing Model
This study provides a comprehensive description of the trans-cultural nursing model. The paper further describes the elements and characteristics of the Watson Caring Model. The concepts of the model, as well as, the merits and demerits are covered. The Watson Caring Model is based on the philosophy of Jean Watson a West Virginia born educationist in nursing.
Assumptions of the Watson Caring Model
The caring model is based on several assumptions that enhance its alternative name the theory of human caring. The model was developed back in 1979 and focuses on integrating humanistic techniques in delivery of nursing care. The model inherently describes the role of a nurse as multidimensional. The first assumption of the model is that interpersonal caring is the only effective approach in nursing service delivery. Through the enhancement of an interpersonal caring process, different human needs can be satisfied simultaneously. Another key assumption of the model is that there is a need for an effective caring to enhance the well-being of the society. This assumption is further elaborated by the significance of nursing to individual growth.
The response to caring should be based on the individual at their best and not at their worst. This assumption implies that caring responses should focus on the future and not the present. Another assumption of the model is that the caring environment plays a central role in influencing the effectiveness of the process. As a result, the environment is expected to enhance the development potential. They theory also assumes that caring is pertinent in nursing and is complementary to the process of curing. These assumptions lay the base of the model, which is formed around the human being, health, society, and nursing (Parker, 2005).
Concepts of the theory
The interaction between professional nursing and the culture of the society is pertinent in understanding any nursing theory. The Watson theory clearly states the roles of a nurse. A nurse is expected to develop a caring relationship with all the patients under their care. Nurses are also expected to exhibit unconditional acceptance to a patient as well as adopt a positive attitude during caring moments. They should also view patients in a holistic manner. This implies that they should appeal to the patient's mind, spirit, and body. The process of caring is a clear identification of members of the nursing profession.
The philosophical foundation of the theory states that nursing should be humanistic. Values that are associated with humanistic caring should be developed from early in age. These values are further influenced by the life experiences of an individual. The faith-hope curative factor is a central aspect since it enhances the perception of an individual regarding well-being. Moreover, a nurse is expected to be sensitive to the feelings of their patients. The cultivation of a sensitive personality helps in establishing an exploratory perspective to the needs of other people. The feelings of an individual have a significant influence on their behavior as well as thoughts. In order to establish a caring relationship, awareness of an individual's feelings is central.
According to the model nurses, should develop a helping and trust relationship. This is achievable through effective communication techniques. The techniques should reflect an empathetic person to the patient. This will be instrumental in establishing a rapport with those in need of care. The communication technique used should not only be verbal ones but also nonverbal. The general idea is that a nurse should be perceived as empathetic and warm.
The theory promotes the concept of scientific-based problem-solving processes. This is where scientific evidence is used in guiding a decision making process. This allows for a caring environment where neutrality and objectivity are maintained. Moreover, individuals in the nursing profession are allowed a self-correction caring environment. According to the theory, the provision of a supportive holistic environment helps in enhancing the caring process. This is where a nurse should offer patient privacy, safety, and comfort. In order to enhance the quality of nursing, human needs should be addressed. Based on the Maslow's pyramid of human needs there are different levels of the needs, which vary in significance.
Watson classifies the needs into biophysical, psychophysical, and psychosocial needs. The classification places psychosocial needs as the higher. Similar to the Maslow's theory these needs include the need for affiliation, achievement, and self-actualization. The lover order needs include but not limited to the need for food, ventilation, and activity. According to the Watson Caring Model, a human being should be viewed as a person in need of care, respect, understanding, assistance, as well as nurturing. A human being is an integration of multiple facets of nature (Alligood, & Tomey, 2006).
Another sub-concept of the theory is the holistic nature of health. The theory adopts a view that health should constitute a daily adaptative alignment of human functioning. The adaptive alignment should ensure a mental, social, and physical sustainability. The aspect of caring in the society has been in existence for many years. However, adopting a positive caring attitude is instrumental in achieving a sustainable nursing profession. The nursing profession should be at the centre stage of disease prevention, and restoration of health to the sick. This is a holistic approach to healthcare: apart from the use of scientific knowledge, the ethical and cultural expectations of a society are put into perspective.
Application of the theory across the culture
The Watson Caring Model is applied across different cultures with a high level of similarity. The theory is dynamic in nature: a caring environment can change through the attitude and the competence of a nurse. However, the ideal situation is where the patient enjoys a high level of security, comfort, and there is a strong caring relationship with the nurse. The nature of relationship many vary from one culture to another: however, the existence of a positive relationship between the caregiver and the patient is a clear indication of the enhanced service delivery in the nursing profession.
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