The Theory of Human Caring

Term Paper # 103754

Education > Higher
Medical and Health > Nursing

An analysis of the theory of human caring developed by Jean Watson.

1,069 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the Jean Watson theory of human caring, used in the nursing curriculum. The paper explains that, according to Watson, the theory of human caring is a focus for the future of nursing practice and provides the standards that should guide nurses in every aspect of their role in the health care field. The paper looks at how, as time has evolved, the issues with which nurses have been confronted have caused a shift in the approach to nursing that is based on quality care. The paper then points out that, although Watson is specific as to the realm of caring that can be applied to nursing and the delivery of service to the patient, it is evident that Watson intended for the caring perspective to be apparent in every facet of nursing and used to understand all issues that affected the individual's health and well being. In conclusion, the paper shows that the theory of human caring should be a vital instrument for all nursing professionals and students, serving nursing through a foundation for care that returns the profession to a focus specifically on the patient and quality care.

Outline:
Define Theory of Human Caring.
Analyze the Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring.
Use of Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring Use in Guiding All Nursing Programs.
Applicability of Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring to Undergraduate Level Nursing Practice.
Applicability of Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring to Graduate Level Nursing Practice.
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"To care for the complete human means to care for each element of the individual's life that is either positively or negatively impacting him or her. Treating the illness without considering the psychological issues that may be evident will slow recovery time and may hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. Recommending treatments that are not feasible in the life of an impoverished individual or that the person cannot be transported to, will prevent the complete recovery of the person. And advocating surgery for a patient that elects only to utilize Chinese Traditional Medicine for the health care needs, prevents the patient from receiving care that is applicable to the individual's life."

Sample of Sources Used:

Caring theory defined. (2007). University of Colorado. Retrieved April 1, 2007, from http://www2.uchsc.edu/son/caring/content/Definition.asp
Implications for nursing. (2007). University of Colorado. Retrieved April 1, 2007, from http://www2.uchsc.edu/son/caring/content/implications.asp
Theory evolution. (2007). University of Colorado. Retrieved April 1, 2007, from http://www2.uchsc.edu/son/caring/content/evolution.asp