Theory of Caring in Practice This paper will discuss Jean Watson’s Theory of caring and its relation and integration into nursing practice. According to Ryan (2005), by implementing caring theory into their organization “nurses came to understand that the caring theory affirmed their practice and provided the tenets and language to explain, describe, support, and guide their professional work,” (p.30). Discussions brought forth in the study conducted by Ryan suggests that before integrating Caring Theory into their organization that nurses did not necessarily enact caring into their everyday care due to the fast-paced heath care environment. The caring theory and practice must be implemented by nurses in order to provide holistic care for every patient. Watson developed this theory in hopes of resolving empirical and conceptual problems of nursing, and to lead nurses to form a relationship with their patient to care for their mind-body-soul. According to Watson (1988) if the nurse and client are able to establish a relationship, “the recipient is better able to have a release of some of the disharmony of the mind, body, and soul to be freer to direct pent up energy to his or own healing process.” By implementing caring theory into the clinical practice setting nurses are able to support a client in a holistic manner rather than just treating their medical diagnosis. The theory also lays a framework for how nurses can help their patients to find harmony and peace during a time of increased stress. Theory of Caring Operationally and Theoretically Defined in Practice Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring can be used in outpatient and inpatient settings. The theory helps to guide nurses on how to make a connection with their patient and through this process it allows nurses to reflect and rekindle the spirit of nursing. Operationally defined, The Theory of Caring is used to as a framework to help lead nurses to incorporate caring and compassion into patient care which helps to ease patient suffering and promote healing. According to Desmond et al., (2014) “it is beneficial for academic and clinical healthcare institutions to provide education focusing on the core aspects Watson’s caring theory in order to preserve, protect, promote, and sustain the caring practices that are core to the profession of nursing,” (p. 42). The theory of Caring on the future of nursing is substantial. The profession of nursing is based upon the purpose of showing compassion and care and if nurses do not continually incorporate caring into patient care nursing could lose its entire foundation upon what it is built. As providers in clinic or hospital settings developing that transpersonal relationship with clients is essential to not only gaining patients trust but also creating an environment that allows the patient to heal. By incorporating this theory into practice, a provider is able to engage in a caring relationship with their patient and allow a spiritual and emotional connection to form while also caring for the patients physical and health related needs. A patient that is in the hospital often times is at their worst physically but also emotionally, if a nurse or provider is able to make spiritual and emotional connection with their patient, it alleviates some of the stresses that their patients are feeling internally, that way they are able to focus their energy on restoring their physical health. Utilizing Caring theory allows for nurses and providers to care for their patient in a holistic manner and not just physically. As a future FNP, this theory can be implemented in my care to make a deeper spiritual connection with my patients to aide in improving patient outcomes. Potential Practice Question In devising a potential practice question for Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring the PICOT method will be used. How do trauma patients newly diagnosed with paraplegia perceive nurse caring behaviors on their outcome in a hospital that implements caring theory vs hospitals that do not implement caring theory over the course of their recovery? Conclusion In conclusion implementing and utilizing Jean Watsons Theory of Caring into clinical practice has proven to show improvement in patient outcomes. By nurses implementing caring behaviors according to this theory it allows them to realize their unique role in healthcare. The theory of caring allows the RN and all providers involved in patient care to provide and care for the patient holistically. In a nurse practitioner role implementing this theory allows the NP to create a spiritual and emotional connection with their patients and caring for their emotional well-being not just the physical aspect of their care.
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