Jean Watson’s Theory of
Human Caring & Caring Science
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Jean Watson PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN
By Amanda Boone, RN & Gina Gilmore, RN
Who is Jean Watson5
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Nurse
Author
Dean
Professor
Founder
Scholar
Holds multiple Doctorate degrees
History of Theory Development5
Jean Watson is a nursing theorist who has
evolved her work around theory, science,
philosophy, research, and most
importantly has centered her focus on a
theory about caring. Watson’s theory is
focused on holistic human.
 Watson’s theory was deeply influenced by
personal issues; the death of her husband
by suicide and the tragic loss of her eye in
a golfing incident.
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History of Theory Development5
The Theory of Human Caring was
developed in 1979 with the focus on
bringing meaning and focus to nursing as
a distinct health profession.
 Watson’s belief is that the focus should be
on connecting with the patient’s inner self
by the use of healing, caring, spirituality,
science, and philosophy instead of the
focus being on illness and disease.
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History Of Theory Development5
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As Watson formulated her theory, she
found inspiration in Florence
Nightingale’s focus on caring.
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Florence Nightingale states, “It is the
surgeon who saves a person’s life …….it
is the nurse who helps this person live”.
Human Caring Model
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Components of this Theory9
A Caring Science defined (Watson 2008:
311)
 Ontological
 Humanitarian
 Philosophical
 Ethical
 Phenomenal
 Metaphysical
 Expressive
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Definition: Ontology
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The philosophical study of the nature of4,5
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Being
Becoming
Existence
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Definition: Humanitarianism3
In its most simple form a person who is
devoted to the support of human
 Exhibiting sympathy for humans
universally
 Kindness
 Benevolence
 Empathetic
 Wellbeing
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Definition: Epistemology6
The Theory of Knowledge.
 What is the nature of knowledge?
 How do we acquire knowledge?
 How do we determine truth or deception?
 Rationalism or empiricism?
 Is this a internal or external process?
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Core Concepts of a Caring
Science9 (Watson 2008, p263)
Transpersonal Caring
 Connections- individual, community,
planet
 Objective- empirical
 Subjective- interpretive
 Epistemological
 Clinical inquiry
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Caring Practices: Nursing's Role
in Transpersonal Relationships2
Being present
 Loving - kindness
 Equanimity
 Mind-body-spirit
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Openness
 Commitment
 Respect
 Honor
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Caring: Nursing's Role in
Transpersonal Relationships1,5
“Transpersonal caring calls for an
authenticity of being and becoming, an
ability to be present to self and other in a
reflective frame; the transpersonal nurse has
the ability to center consciousness and
intentionality on caring, healing, and
wholeness, rather than on disease, illness
and pathology.”(WATSON CARING SCIENCE INSTITUTE &
INTERNATIONAL CARITAS CONSORTIUM. (2013).
Caring: Nursing’s Role
Transpersonal Relationships5
Connectedness
 Spirituality
 Inner self
 Treating person rather than illness
 Therapeutic relationship
 Healing
 Caring
 Healing
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Caring Encounters1,2,5
Lead to harmony
 Balance
 Reflection
 Healing
 Understanding
 Making a difference
 Improved outcomes
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Nursing Knowledge9
Science
 Art
 Aesthetic
 Ethical
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Intuitive
 Personal
 Cultural
 Spiritual
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Understanding Humanism
Allows2,3,9
Understanding the patient’s reality
 Life experiences
 Meaning
 Context
 Genuine relationships
 Trust
 Support
 Dignity
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Application of Knowledge2,5,7,9
Caritas Conscious Practice
Process/ frame of reference
Competencies - outcomes
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Altruistic system
Available
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Authentic presence
Support
3
Awareness of self and patient Centered relationship
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Trust
Unconditional nonjudgmental relationship
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Promoting expression
Reflection and awareness
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Scientific problem-solving
Framework
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Engaged teaching
Empowered learning
8
Healing environment
Wholeness and healing
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Basic needs
Anticipated, respected, met
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Discovery
Acceptance and openness
Relevance of Theory
Dr. Watson provides a frame work that
encourages an altruistic system that is
nonjudgmental and supportive. Through
her system a relationship develops that
allows the nurse and patient to explore
feelings, problem solve and consider the
future. This is an application of lovingkindness that honors each of us as human
beings.
Conclusion
A Caring Science provides the nurse a
way to “preserve human dignity by
assisting patients in finding meaning in
order to restore balance and harmony”2.
 Watson’s Vision for the future of nursing8.
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Article on transforming professional practice
 Living Legend
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Caritas Meditation9
Caritas Meditation Audio
(about 7 minutes)
Bibliography
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1. Caring Science (Definitions, Processes, Theory) (2013). [URL]. Retrieved from
http://watsoncaringscience.org/about-us/caring-science-definitions-processes-theory/
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2. Chantal, C. (2003). Continuing education: A pragmatic view of jean watson's caring theory. International
Journal for Human Caring. 7(3). 51-61. Retrieved from
http://watsoncaringscience.org/files/PDF/Pragmatic_View.pdf
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3. Humanitarian. (2013). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved from
http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/humanitarian
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4. Ontology. (2013). Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/ontology
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5. Overview of Jean Watson's Theory. (2013). Retrieved from
http://innovativecaremodels.com/uploads/File/caring%20model/Overview%20JW%20Theory.pdf
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6. Steup, M. (Winter 2013 Edition). Epistemology, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy [URL]. Retrieved
from http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2013/entries/epistemology/
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7. Watson, J, (2002). Nursing: Seeking its source and survival. ICUs and Nursing Web Journal. 9: 1-7. Retrieved
from http://watsoncaringscience.org/files/PDF/WatsonICU02.pdf
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8. Watson, J, (2003). The attending nurse caring model: integrating theory, evidence and advanced caring –
healing therapeutics for transforming professional practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 12: 360-365.
Retrieved from http://watsoncaringscience.org/files/PDF/FosterWatson.pdf
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9. Watson, J, (2008 revised edition). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. Boulder Colorado:
University Press of Colorado