Research Paper on Jean Watson`s Nursing Theory

Introduction

Jean Watson`s human caring theory is one of the most fundamental theories in the field of psychology. It has been around for more than 30 years and has since then evolved over the years though the concept it holds still remains. In addition to this, transpersonal psychology (TP) is accredited for having motivated Watson to come up with the aforementioned theory. The results of this have been very endearing to the nursing profession since both the nurses and patients have been in a position to sustain a long-lasting relationship after putting the particulars of the theory into practice. For nursing students with a particular interest involving going beyond healing and caring, it is highly likely that by studying this theory, they will be in a position to attain their coveted goal. Besides, Watson`s theory relies heavily on Transpersonal psychology to achieve its intended purpose. In order to further explicate this theory, some of the important elements that will be covered involve: The caring healing moment, intentionality and interdependence.

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The caring healing moment is motivated by the transpersonal psychology. It enables individuals to attain a higher order of consciousness by gaining a comprehension that the various states of human cognizance have some healing and evolutionary potential that is greater than any person can fathom. A transpersonal experience ends up being recognized by the parties involved as a state that differs from ordinary consciousness (Clark, 2016). During this involvement the nurse is in a position to gain a deeper connection with the patient through counteractive interactions that are beneficial to both parties. Watson`s mentor in regards to TP is Abraham Maslow who came up with this approach in the 1950`s (Clark, 2016). In reference to this, Watson argues out that in a situation where the nurses end up treating the patient by offering assistance with reference to fulfillment of their personal needs, such an ailing individual ends up gaining recognition as well as experiencing love and affection thus leading them to gain a great amount of energy that leads them to self-actualization (Watson & Woodward, 2010). She further indicates that when nurses focus on lower order needs they are not in a position to guarantee optimal health to patients (Clark, 2016). Instead, they should focus on higher order needs. It is, therefore, apparent that caring and healing moment not only enables an individual to gain an emotional connection but also manages to ensure that they reflect on themselves; a factor that is beneficial to both the patient and caregiver, which is similar to the concept of intentionality.

The aforementioned factor is a fundamental aspect which is used to gain an understanding on how to validate transpersonal attention. Watson argues that this does not necessarily imply coming up with a mental goal. Instead, it acts as the driving force for consciousness. Owing to this factor, it becomes easy for individuals to perceive the meaning of things. In addition to this, it enables one to develop a thorough evaluation of their intent. For instance, it ensures that the nurse does not manipulate a situation to their advantage or to make it easier, but rather, guarantees that they face it with the desired focus it deserves (Watson, 2006). It is a mind-body spirit commitment which enables one individual to engage in a transpersonal space with another individual in a manner that venerates or appeals to them (Fawcett, Watson, Neuman, Walker & Fitzpatrick, 2001). It has the potential to establish a caring-healing space, whereby the patient is able to receive love and attention and also where the nurse is in a position of attaining full satisfaction. This practice is an art of true healing that is relatable to interdependence which is also another one of Watson`s conceptions which has to be adopted.

Watson claims that the nurse is required to reflect on their own existential-ontological foundation in order to attain interdependence. It is a level of connectedness that ensures that one remains attached with the human spirit. It is supportive of self-knowledge which is common to humanity and ensures that nurses do not reduce individuals to mere objects. Contemporary learning in the nursing profession deviates from this in the sense that it offers scripts to learners pertaining to the attributes they ought to portray (Watson, 1999). Watson insists that scripts are not capable of enhancing interconnectedness between the nurse and patient. Instead, the learners have to gain a deeper understanding of their own problems in order to place themselves in their patients` shoes. Only then shall they be able to cater for this need. It is, therefore, essential for individuals to hold a world view that each and every person is interconnected in order to achieve independence.

Conclusion

It is apparent that Watson`s human caring theory is essential to the nursing vocation. Some of the important elements the theory addresses are: the caring healing moment, intentionality and interdependence. In regards to the first factor, it is evident that Abraham Maslow offered inspiration to Watson who later came up with the concept. It mainly indicates that nurses should focus more on the higher order needs compared to lower order necessities, since this will enable them to offer the love and affection that ailing individuals desire. Secondly, intentionality creates an intent to act on something. It ensures that nurses focus on the specific factor affecting the patient in order to offer specialized attention. The psychology expert further argues that in order to attain interdependence people have to have a world view of humanity. It can, therefore, be concluded that by gaining an understanding of Watson`s theory, the learners, educators and nurses are in a position to gain a clear conception of how to reinforce caring among individuals.

References

Clark, C. S. (2016). Watson's human caring theory: Pertinent transpersonal and humanities concepts for educators. Humanities, 5(2), 21.

Watson, J. (1999). Nursing: Human science and human care: A theory of nursing (Vol. 15, No. 2236). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Watson, J., & Woodward, T. K. (2010). Jean Watson's theory of human caring. Nursing theories and nursing practice, 3, 351-369.

Fawcett, J., Watson, J., Neuman, B., Walker, P. H., & Fitzpatrick, J. J. (2001). On nursing theories and evidence. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33(2), 115-119.

Watson, J. (2006). Caring theory as an ethical guide to administrative and clinical practices. JONA'S healthcare law, ethics and regulation, 8(3), 87-93.