Assignment Details
Introduce the reader to the content of this paper with an introductory paragraph.
Briefly describe the conceptual framework or grand nursing theory.
Briefly describe the metaparadigm of nursing.
Explain how the metaparadigm concepts are used by the theorist in the conceptual framework or grand nursing theory.
Project how this conceptual framework or grand nursing theory can be used in advanced nursing roles.
Finish your paper with a concluding paragraph.
Reference the Grading Rubric for this assignment, found in the Course Resources for further guidance.
Assignment Requirements
Minimal page requirement is 3-4 pages of content (no more than 5 pages) not including the title and reference pages.
Five (5) credible sources of support are required.
Use APA 7th Edition for format and style.
Utilize spelling and grammar check to minimize errors.
Your assignment should:
Employ the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);
be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful;
Display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics
An Introduction to Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is a conceptual framework that emphasizes the importance of caring relationships in nursing. Watson developed her theory in the 1970s based on her view that caring is the essence and central focus of nursing (Watson, 2008). Her theory provides a philosophical and scientific basis for nursing by describing the metaparadigm concepts of person, health, environment, and nursing.
The metaparadigm concept of person in Watson’s theory views humans as multidimensional beings composed of body, mind, spirit, and soul (Watson, 2008). She believes people are caring beings who form meaningful connections with others. Health, according to Watson, is the “unity and harmony within the mind, body, and soul” (Watson, 2008, p. 31). Health is influenced by one’s environment, including societal and cultural factors. The environment concept considers a person’s surroundings and all that influences their well-being.
As for the nursing metaparadigm, Watson defines nursing as “a human science of persons and human health-illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care transactions” (Watson, 2008, p. 50). In other words, nursing aims to help people achieve optimal health and wellness through caring relationships. Watson’s Theory of Human Caring emphasizes the importance of caring, trusting relationships between nurses and patients to promote healing (Watson, 2008). Nurses demonstrate caring behaviors such as being present, listening actively, comforting, and respecting others.
Watson’s theory has many applications for advanced nursing roles. For instance, nurse practitioners can use Watson’s concepts of caring and holism when providing primary care. By viewing patients as multidimensional beings and focusing on caring relationships, nurse practitioners can better address patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs (Watson, 2008). Additionally, nursing administrators can create caring environments where nurses feel respected and supported to care for others (Watson, 2008). When nurses experience caring themselves, they are better able to demonstrate caring behaviors with patients. Watson’s theory also guides nursing research by providing a philosophical basis for studying caring phenomena (Watson, 2008).
In summary, Jean Watson developed a grand nursing theory centered around human caring that defines nursing’s metaparadigm concepts. Her theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships and holism in nursing practice, education, research and administration. Watson’s Theory of Human Caring continues to influence the discipline by providing a philosophical foundation for the caring aspects of the nursing profession.
References
Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring (Rev. ed.). Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado.
Barnard, A., Street, A., & Love, A. W. (2006). Relationships between stressors, work supports, and burnout among cancer nurses. Cancer Nursing, 29(4), 338–345. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002820-200607000-00014
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Sitzman, K., & Watson, J. (2018). Caring science, mindful practice: Implementing Watson’s human caring theory. Springer Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826196005
