An Exploration of Jean Watson’s

“Theory of Human Caring”

as it Relates to the

Nursing Metapardigm

Objectives Provide a brief description of Jean Watson’s

Theory of Human Caring.

List the ten “curative factors” of Watson’s theory.

Provide an introduction to the “Nursing Metaparidigm.”

Discuss the specific mechanics of Watson’s theory as it relates to the four major concepts of the “Nursing Metapardigm.”

Jean Watson a Brief History: Born June 10, 1940

Graduated Gale School of Nursing, 1961

Undergraduate through Ph. D education at University of Colorado, Boulder, 1973

Served as President of National League of Nursing, 1995-1996

Developed the Theory of Human Caring

The Seven Assumptions of the Theory of Human Caring1. Caring can be effectively demonstrated and practiced

only interpersonally. 2. Caring consists of curative factors that result in the

satisfaction of certain human needs. 3. Effective caring promotes health and individual or family

growth. 4. Caring responses accept person not only as he or she is

now but as what he or she may become. 5. A caring environment is one that offers the development

of potential while allowing the person to choose the best action for himself or herself at a given point in time.

6. Caring is more “ healthogenic” than is curing. A science of caring is complementary to the science of curing.

7. The practice of caring is central to nursing.

The Ten Carative Factors of the Theory of Human Caring

1. The formation of a humanistic- altruistic system of values. 2. The installation of faith-hope. 3. The cultivation of sensitivity to one’s self and to others. 4. The development of a helping-trust relationship 5. The promotion and acceptance of the expression of

positive and negative feelings. 6. The systematic use of the scientific problem-solving

method for decision making 7. The promotion of interpersonal teaching-learning. 8. The provision for a supportive, protective and /or

corrective mental, physical, socio-cultural and spiritual environment.

9. Assistance with the gratification of human needs. 10. The allowance for existential-phenomenological forces.

The Nursing Metaparadigm The four concepts:

1. The Human Being

2. Health

3. The Environment / Society

4. Nursing

The Human Being A physical body

Interrelation

A conduit / avenue for treatment

Basic to the Theory of Caring

“Maybe this one moment, with this one person, is the very reason we’re here on Earth at this time.”

- Jean Watson, The Caring Moment

Health

A physical body

Interrelation

A conduit / avenue for treatment

Basic to the Theory of Caring

The Environment / Society

Setting for nursing care

Means of learning caring

Interrelation coping

Includes immediate and extended family

Includes community

Nursing A science

Human relationships

Physical interventions

A body of knowledge

Summary Interdependent theory and concepts

Skill-set for building rapport

A worldview

References