This paper examines the concept of caring in nursing practice through the lens of Watson's (1985) theory of human care, exploring how transpersonal relationships and moral commitment underpin effective nursing. It then evaluates three clinical assessment tools—the Daily Hassles Scale, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, and the Calgary Family Assessment Model—analyzing how each tool measures physical, psychological, and familial dimensions of patient well-being. The paper concludes by applying these tools to a vulnerable population, specifically homeless youth, demonstrating how structured assessment can foster critical thinking, self-awareness, and community support for those most at risk of depression and trauma.
Caring is fundamental to human experience and to our daily lives. Although caring is central to human interaction, knowledge about it and its practical application has not always received serious academic attention. As a topic, caring can be described in many ways. In nursing, as a discipline of particular concern, caring relates to the ability and desire to help someone grow or overcome a difficult situation. Caring is the moral ideal in nursing practice. It involves one's will to care and one's concern for the situation of others. In nursing practice, caring is a process that sustains itself from a person's moral responsibility to meet a society's mandate. According to Watson (1985), nurses are the caretakers of care for other helping professions. Nursing is the epitome of care, and a nurse must guard and develop the concept. Caring is not only required in nursing but also across various disciplines, and it can develop from different motivational factors — whether a necessity to address a situation or a sense of self-obligation. The relationship between the one caring and the one being cared for defines caring itself.
A caring occasion occurs when two people come together, each with a unique history and set of experiences, in a humanitarian interaction. Caring develops from a transpersonal relationship — one that conveys genuine concern for the internal life of another who is fully present. The transpersonal relationship may go beyond the ego self of an individual and even beyond a single moment, reaching toward a deeper connection to spirit (Watson, 1985). Moral commitment and consciousness by a nurse may enhance and nurture human wholeness and healing. Through caring, the one caring and the one being cared for connect through a caring-healing process that extends to others in the broader human community. The feeling of love and care from the nurse connects to the patient through consciousness, and this connection may transcend physical dimensions. Caring is therefore a crucial and necessary aspect of nursing and the broader medical discipline.
The Daily Hassles Scale is a tool that measures the day-to-day stressors experienced by workers, employees, or people engaged in demanding jobs. Nurses use this tool to evaluate factors that bring stress to these individuals. Such factors may include pressure from management, high demands and expectations, heavy workloads, or a lack of adequate support. For this tool to function effectively, the individuals concerned take time away from their tasks and complete questionnaires. The Daily Hassles Scale is a useful instrument because it provides nurses with meaningful information about the major stress factors affecting their clients. Importantly, the tool captures information at the early stages of the problems patients face (Wright, Creed, & Zimmer-Gembeck, 2010). In relation to Watson's nursing care process, this tool facilitates bonding between nurse and patient by building mutual understanding. A patient can often provide information on a questionnaire that would otherwise be difficult to communicate directly to a nurse.
Once information is obtained, it becomes easier for the nurse to provide and facilitate the appropriate care and intervention for the patients concerned. A medical facility can create a dedicated space or department for the special care of such patients, increasing personalized attention. The Daily Hassles Scale also helps identify the unique characteristics of each patient, informing how nurses can tailor their services accordingly. The tool saves time for both patient and nurse, enabling a nurse to attend to many patients efficiently. It is an inexpensive approach to patient care that targets the core issues in a patient's working life. Problem-solving through this tool is straightforward for both parties, requiring only a questionnaire and dialogue. This tool is particularly well-suited to urban populations, where people commonly experience stress due to work demands, commuting, and the pressure to achieve professional success.
"Measuring dormant depression and dysfunctional beliefs"
"Family-centered illness assessment and intervention"
"Applying assessment tools to homeless youth"
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