Gene Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has been a cornerstone in nursing, shaping how nurses view their role and the importance of compassionate care in the healing process. Watson’s theory was developed when the focus in nursing was primarily on medical science, needing a meaningful philosophical meaning consistent with the discipline (Costello & Barron, 2017).
However, over time, Watson’s theory evolved to incorporate both the arts and humanities, highlighting the importance of healing and caring processes as an intrinsic part of a nurse practitioner’s work. The central theme of the theory is the interaction between the nurse and the patient through special means. Thus, they form a love relationship through the humanistic conditions created by the nurse. In the author’s nursing practice, the focus is on the transpersonal caring relationship, which recognizes that how a nurse presents themselves, communicate, and interact with others significantly impacts the patient’s healing process (Gunawan et al., 2022). The author highlights the importance of mindfulness in promoting self-caring, growth, and healing and uses reflective journaling as a tool to process emotions and reflect on the life experiences of individuals undergoing critical disease treatment (Gunawan et al., 2022). Watson’s theory had a profound effect on changing the practice of nurses and their education. By adding creativity to the responsibilities, nurses can take care of all senses of a person, not just physical health by giving aspects to all moral aspects of the patient. The emphasis on reflective journaling as a tool for learning and growth is also a crucial aspect of Watson’s theory, promoting a deeper understanding of providing compassionate care.
Gene Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is a seminal work in the field of nursing, providing a framework for compassionate care grounded in the importance of the transpersonal caring relationship, the promotion of self-caring, and the use of reflective journaling. By incorporating these principles into their practice, nurses can provide care that addresses the holistic needs of their patients and contributes to their healing and well-being.
References
Gunawan, J., Aungsuroch, Y., Watson, J., & Marzilli, C. (2022). Nursing administration: Watson’s theory of human caring. Nursing Science Quarterly, 35(2), 235–243. Web.
Costello, M., & Barron, A. M. (2017). Teaching compassion: Incorporating Jean Watson’s caritas processes into a care at the end of life course for senior nursing students. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 10(3), 1113–1117. Web.