Term Paper Undergraduate 1,107 words

Watson's Theory of Human Caring in a Nursing Care Plan

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Abstract

This paper applies Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring to the development of a nursing care plan for a 96-year-old female resident at a rehabilitation center. The patient presents with multiple diagnoses including dementia, hypothyroidism, GERD, iron deficiency anemia, and depression. The paper outlines a structured medication schedule, daily care routines, and behavioral guidelines rooted in Watson's carative factors. It emphasizes that caring behaviors — including comforting, patience, dignity, and compassion — must guide every nurse-patient interaction, particularly given the patient's cognitive limitations. The paper argues that caring is foundational to healing and patient well-being.

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What makes this paper effective

Grounds a concrete, practical care plan in a named theoretical framework (Watson's Theory of Human Caring), demonstrating how nursing theory translates into bedside decision-making.
Integrates clinical detail — specific medications, dosing schedules, and timing rationale — alongside humanistic care principles, showing both the scientific and compassionate dimensions of nursing.
Uses direct quotations from nursing literature to anchor care goals, giving the plan scholarly support rather than relying solely on clinical protocol.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper demonstrates theory-to-practice application: it introduces Watson's framework in the abstract, then maps each element of the care plan (medication timing, daily routine, staff behavior guidelines) onto specific carative factors. This technique shows readers how theoretical constructs function as actionable clinical tools rather than abstract ideals.

Structure breakdown

The paper opens with a brief overview of nursing theory and Watson's model, then pivots to a specific patient case with medical and nursing diagnoses. A detailed medication schedule follows, grounded in pharmacological rationale. The largest section walks through the patient's full daily routine, weaving Watson's principles throughout. The conclusion reinforces the relationship between caring and quality of life. Citations draw from nursing education and scholarship journals published in the early 2000s.

Introduction

The field of nursing has evolved over many years and is today a highly respected, scientific profession in which nurses may specialize or generalize their practice depending on their professional goals. Many nurses subscribe to one or more nursing theories that help shape the kind of practitioner they wish to become. Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring has gained popularity across America and continues to provide incoming nurses with a guiding framework for their careers. Watson's theory is grounded in the total care of the patient, encompassing humanistic, scientific, and compassionate treatment during every clinical encounter.

The subject of this nursing care plan is a 96-year-old female currently residing in a rehabilitation center. Her medical diagnoses include dementia, hypothyroidism, GERD, cataracts, and iron deficiency anemia. The nursing diagnoses assigned by her care team include disturbed sleep patterns, dementia, depression, and social isolation.

Patient Overview and Diagnoses

Her current medications are as follows:

Compazine 5 mg, administered one half hour before meals (antiemetic). Aleve 1 capsule twice daily for arthritis. Demadex 20 mg, one half tablet daily (diuretic). Synthroid 75 mcg daily (hypothyroidism). Namenda 10 mg daily (dementia). Pepcid 20 mg twice daily (Barrett's esophagus). Lexapro 10 mg daily (depression).

Medication Schedule and Medical Care

The care plan includes structured administration of all medications. Because the patient has iron deficiency anemia, she will receive one iron tablet per day. It is important that iron be given at least two hours apart from Synthroid; therefore, Synthroid will be administered in the morning before breakfast, and iron will be given with the dinner meal to minimize the risk of nausea.

The morning medication schedule is as follows: one hour before breakfast, the patient will receive Synthroid, Demadex, Namenda, and Pepcid. Lexapro and Compazine will be administered thirty minutes later, and breakfast will be served thirty minutes after that. Aleve will be given immediately following breakfast.

The evening medication schedule is as follows: the second dose of Pepcid, the iron tablet, and the second dose of Aleve will all be administered with the dinner meal.

This medication scheduling approach reflects evidence-based practice principles, ensuring that drug interactions are minimized and that the patient's comfort and absorption needs are met throughout the day.

1 Locked Section · 350 words remaining

Applying Watson's Theory to Daily Care · 350 words

"Daily care routines guided by carative factors"

Conclusion

The nursing staff has more contact with the patient than any other member of the care team and will naturally build a relationship with her through that ongoing contact. It is essential that this care follow Watson's theory and encompass the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — so that the patient experiences a meaningful quality of life and feels both capable and cared for. When nursing practice is grounded in a coherent caring theory, patients with complex, chronic conditions such as dementia are more likely to receive consistent, dignified, and therapeutically sound care.

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Key Concepts in This Paper

Human Caring Theory Carative Factors Transpersonal Caring Dementia Care Medication Management Patient Dignity Caring Behaviors Nursing Theory Rehabilitation Nursing Daily Care Routine