Running head: THEORY OF HUMAN CARING 1

Theory of Human Caring

Anne Waskiewicz
Frostburg State University
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Theory of Human Caring

Jean Watson is one of the most widely known caring theorists. She describes the practice

of caring as the central theme and the unifying thread within a nurses practice. I can identify and

implement many of the concepts of the human caring theory in my daily nursing practice.

Caring for the individuals physical needs as well as their emotional and psychological needs

promotes a more inclusive healing environment.

Overview of the Theory

Human Caring Theory is based on two major human care value assumptions when related

to nursing. They are: care and love constitute the primal and universal psychic energy and are a

requisite for survival and nourishment of humanity. The conceptual elements are carative factors,

transpersonal caring relationship and caring moment/caring occasion. (Blais & Hayes, 2016).

Watson defined the assumptions of caring to involve a personal response not just a concern,

attitude or emotion. Assumption of caring involves an interpersonal relationship which promotes

health, individual/family growth and an acceptance of the patient where they are at with

anticipation of future development. Caring occasions involve interactions between the client and

the nurse. Human caring involves values, a will and commitment to care, knowledge, caring

actions and consequences. (Blais & Hayes, 2016). Watson then developed ten Caring Factors

and Caritas. Caritas factors are still changing and becoming caritas processes. The newer focus

is becoming more three dimensional in the nursing world. Carita process is looking at the impact
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on the body/mind/spirit of the individual/family as it relates within the medical and nursing

domain.

Theory to Work Situation

The day begins with the self-care of the professional nurse. It starts out with a quiet time

of reading Gods word, meditating and preparing for the events of the day. Then: Arrive to the

work unit; step off the elevator and onto the floor; stop, listen, what is going on? Next, look up

your assignment for the day, join the off going staff nurse and enter the patients room for the

bedside shift report. Greet the patient and engage him/her during the shift report. Do they have

immediate needs? What is the current pulse for this patient? What is the common ground in

which we can engage today? Is their pain a roadblock for interaction? Do they have worries

regarding the financial impact, additional stress on the family members, or the dreaded diagnosis

of an inoperable cancer? As the professional caring nurse, I must practice human caring no

matter the circumstances. Caring extends beyond the days assignment of five different

patient/family members, computer and phone malfunctions, constant medication changes, charge

nurse, nurse manager and a surprise state inspection.

In Jean Watsons human caring theory, she provides the tools to help to bridge the chasm

of swirling distractions in the day of the professional health care provider. It starts out with self-

care, continuing throughout the events of the day by being in the moment. It may require a

determined five- minute time out to regroup. It will require a gallant effort to take a lunch break

and hand your phone off to your co-worker. Self-care is a discipline which we often neglect. To

be effective in the ministry of caring and bridging the great divide, the provider needs to ensure

we are engaged in the moment with the person in front of me. It is easy with so many

distractions to half-listen and miss the moment with the individual patient. It may take training
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on the individuals part to sit down, look at the person speaking and pay attention. The caring

portion may start simply from youre my nurse for this shift, to my nurses name today is

Anne. During the health assessment, what does the patient mean when he/she says, I rate my

pain level as 10 out of 10. Dig deeper, take time to elicit what number 10/10 means to that

individual. Are they really saying, Im scared that this pain will never go away, or I might have

to have surgery? A more in-depth nurse-to-patient relationship develops from the small

moments leading to bigger moments. At the end of your shift, did you and the people you

interacted with today come away richer from the care, service and union of you working together

for the greater good?

Professionalism and Nursing

The professional nurse job description is ever-changing in the healthcare field. Starting

with Florence Nightingale, the professional nurse must stay ever-vigilant to provide the utmost

care. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing in 1998 defines caring as a concept

central to the practice of professional nursing and identifies it as a core value encompassing

altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social injustice. (Blais & Hayes, 2016). To

maintain professional competency in the hospital environment, I must complete Healthstream

continuing education classes and maintain a current CPR and ACLS license. Certification for

different organizations, (i.e. Medical-Surgical) requires 90 hours of continuing education over a

five- year period. A professional should be involved with committees or community events to

promote the well-being of one or many. Outreach is important.

Another important aspect for the professional is nurse self-care. During a recent

hospitalization of a family member, a holistic nurse certified in complementary alternative

medicines presented me with a card which I carry in my car. The small card is entitled The
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ABCs of Integrative Care: A Mindfulness Tool. It is in line with the American Holistic

Nursing Associations purpose. Three little words on this card help in daily self-care:

Awareness, Breathing and Comfort. I apply these three steps by being aware: present in the

moment, breath: take a deep breath and comfort: envision your favorite place and how it feels.

The ABCs takes less than two minutes to perform this exercise.

Management Style

I believe the human-caring theory enhances my management style. I attempt to meet

people where they are. I have seen potentially volatile situations disappear when presented with

a soft-spoken approach. I have also seen where my actions negatively impacted the situation (i.e.

crossing my arms when an angry family member starts hollering at me). It is common for co-

workers to approach me when they need assistance/support dealing with a complicated situation

or a difficult patient or family members. A practice I have found effective in connecting with a

dissatisfied individual is to take a deep breath before I meet them. Next, I listen to their

concerns/complaints. I will sit down and take notes escalating their case up the chain of

command when necessary. Each interaction in life helps me grow and become a more caring

individual both professionally and personally.

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References

Blais, K., & Hayes, J. (2016). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives (7th
ed.).(pp. 109). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.