Nursing Overview of Jean Watsons Caring Theory Discussion Responses

Reply to each of the 4  posts below:

Post #1

A  grand theory which is one of the four levels of theoretical thinking in  nursing is not as concrete and narrow as middle range theories but are  quite broad.  The essence of Jean Watson’s Caring theory is linked to  Florence Nightingales environmental theory.  In one of her publications  Jean Watson states that in “consistent with the wisdom and vision of  Florence Nightingale, nursing is a lifetime journey of caring and  healing”. Watson, J.,  & Woodward, T. (2020) Watson’s theory focuses on cultivating a  caring relationship between the nurse and the patient in ways that  promotes self awareness for the nurse and promotes healing and wholeness  for the patient and family by extension. In  her ten (10) caritas processes she outlines caring for our patients  from a place of love, authenticity, being present in time and space,  hearing the unspoken voice, allowing the spiritual connection and  performing interventions tailored to the individual needs. One of her  carative factors concept (A) of fostering the development of a helping–trusting, human caring relationship, becomes (proposition) a clinical Caritas process concept(B) In  order to facilitate the process the nurse should have open and honest  conversation with the patient and family, provide all information needed  for them to make informed decisions and involve them also in decisions  regarding care. Effective and timely communication with other care team  members facilitates prompt changes necessary for positive patient  outcomes.  One study reveals that good relationships between nurses and  patients enhances satisfaction and aids in the reduction of hospital  stay. Molina-Mula, J., & Gallo-Estrada, J. (2020).

Post #2 

Jean Watson offered a very unique perspective outlined in her Theory of Human Caring that we continue to develop in our nursing practice. Elements of kindness, caring, empathy, concern, and love for self and others are at the foundation of her teachings.  Watson makes the assertion that as nurses we have an opportunity to encompass these elements into our profession, which is unique among the different medical modalities.  The foundation of Watson’s Human Caring Theory resides in Unitary Caring Science, which describes the six core strategies aligned with the Caritas Processes (Wei et al., 2021).  These strategies from the framework are, “Embracing loving-kindness for self and others; Nurturing interpersonal and intersubjective connections/relations; Deepening a creative use of self and sense of belonging; Balancing self-learning, self-awareness, and an evolved self-consciousness; Valuing forgiveness and releasing negativity; Inspiring and maintaining faith-hope,” (Wei et al., 2021).  Other theorists have built upon Watson’s Grand Theory to propose middle and micro range theories used to guide practice and influence theories that take a more situation/patient specific approach.  Kristen Swanson’s middle range theory focuses on knowing, being with, doing for, enabling and maintaining belief as key characteristics (Andershed & Olsson, 2008).  Her work allows us as nurses to apply the Caritas Processes on a more focused scale,while still grounded in the foundational strategies presented by Watson.  Nurturing interpersonal and intersubjective connections (Concept A) through knowing, being with, doing for, enabling and maintaining belief, promotes (Proposition) resilience and enhanced patient outcomes (Concept B).  It can be easily concluded that Watson’s work is a grand theory based on its applicability and ease in translation to middle and micro range theories.  There is a natural flow from her high level concepts (Caritas Process) to the delivery of competent and compassionate nursing care.   

Post #3

Dorothea  E. Orem’s nursing framework, also known as the Self-Care Deficit  Theory, introduced knowledge as a crucial component of sociocultural  orientation that can help prevent hazards (Gonzalo, 2021). This  framework emphasizes the importance of fulfilling therapeutic self-care  requirements and highlights the role of nurses in providing nursing  systems to support individuals who face limitations in providing  continuous and therapeutic self-care (Gonzalo, 2021). The framework  consists of three interconnected theories: the theory of self-care, the  self-care deficit theory, and the theory of nursing systems, which can  be classified into levels of compensatory and supportive education  (Nursing Theory, 2019).  

Effective  communication and information transfer are critical to patient safety  in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). In this high-stakes healthcare  setting, healthcare professionals need to transfer and use vital  information to prevent hazards and ensure patient safety. Shift changes  and patient handoffs occur frequently in the ICU. Nurses and other  healthcare providers must communicate critical information about the  patient’s condition, medications, treatment plans, and potential hazards  during these handoffs. Inadequate handoff communication between ICU and  team members can lead to adverse consequences; research has shown that  implementing standardized communication protocols during handoffs  decreases the occurrence of preventable medical errors and ensures  patient safety (Fukui et al., 2023).

Various  healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, respiratory  therapists, and pharmacists, work together to care for critically ill  patients. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for  preventing hazards and complications. Nurses may need to share their  knowledge of a patient’s response to treatment with the medical team,  which can influence decisions about adjustments to the treatment plan.

To  measure information transfer and utilization in the ICU, various tools  and strategies can be used, such as communication assessment, patient  outcomes, and teamwork. Communication Assessment tools can assess the  clarity and completeness of information transfer during handoffs. The  “SBAR” (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) tool is  commonly used for structured communication in healthcare (Shahid &  Thomas, 2018). In Patient Outcomes monitoring patient outcomes, such as  medication errors or complications, can indirectly reflect the  effectiveness of information transfer and utilization in preventing  hazards. Finally, Teamwork and Collaboration, Surveys, and assessments  can measure the quality of interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting  the extent to which knowledge is shared and utilized within the  healthcare team.

In  summary, effective knowledge transfer and utilization are fundamental  for preventing hazards and ensuring patient safety in the ICU. The vital  role of nurses lies in educating patients and their families, aiming to  augment the patient’s understanding of their condition, treatment, and  possible risks. Ensuring effective communication between the healthcare  team and the patient is crucial within the ICU setting, as it serves as a  preventive measure against medical errors and potential hazards.

Post #4

A famous nursing theorist, Jacqueline Fawcett, says that nursing knowledge can be an essential part of the sociocultural orientation-essential conditioning factor, making it easier to avoid possible dangers (Bender, 2018). This statement pertains to the concept of nursing knowledge. Specifically, it addresses culture care theory, which emphasizes the need for nursing professionals to acknowledge and honor their patients’ cultural values. Age, gender, developmental stage, health status, sociocultural orientation, factors related to the healthcare system, aspects of the family system, patterns of living, environmental factors, and the sufficiency and availability of resources are some of the fundamental ecological factors (Latif, 2020). The acquisition of knowledge, an essential element of sociocultural orientation and a real conditioning factor, contributes to mitigating risks. Nursing practitioners can minimize potential risks by acquiring knowledge of a patient’s sociocultural exposure, enabling them to deliver culturally sensitive care customized to their specific requirements and preferences.
The statement also pertains to the theoretical framework of nursing knowledge. It also addresses culture care theory, which promotes nurse practitioners’ recognition and respect of a patient’s cultural values. Nurse practitioners must be adequately prepared to interact with patients from various cultural backgrounds (Latif, 2020). Consequently, we also must strive to understand many cultures comprehensively. An instance of this conceptual framework pertains to disseminating knowledge on infection control among the dialysis population. Implementing educational interventions (concept A) that focus on infection control practices, such as excellent hand hygiene, has been shown to lower (proposition) the number of bloodstream infections (concept B). The efficiency of educational intervention can be influenced by socio-cultural orientation, which is considered a fundamental conditioning component. The cultural and social backdrop encompasses the patient’s views, values, and customs. Comprehending a patient’s socio-cultural orientation enables the customization of their care to align with their distinct requirements and preferences. Family members may be more prominent in-patient care in specific cultural contexts. In contrast, patients may be more inclined to trust healthcare  experts in alternative cultural settings. By considering these criteria, I can assist in ensuring optimal care and support for my patients throughout their dialysis therapy.