Discussion: Underlying Framework, Watson’s Caring Theory

Underlying Framework, Watson’s Caring Theory

Watson’s Caring Theory, a grand theory and conceptual model in nursing, is the underlying framework for United States University College of Nursing’s programs.

Identify a middle-range theory within her conceptual model.

Clearly identify how she defines the concepts and propositions between them.

Report them to the class using the form “psychosocial development (Concept A) progresses through (Proposition) stages (Concept B)”. Psychosocial development and stages are examples and NOT required for the assignment.

Using the readings for the week, discuss why her work is considered a grand theory.

 

Discussion:

Watson Grand Theory

Nursing theories are significant as provide an underline framework of principles that nurses refer to for guidance during nursing practice. They are developed in also to act as a basis for clinical decision-making (Younas & Quennell, 2019). Different theorists developed different theories including the theory of interpersonal relationships by Hildegard Peplau and the nursing care theory by Jean Watson. However, all nursing concepts revolve around four major concepts including person, health, nursing, and environment.

Concepts in Watson Caring Theory

Jean Watson developed the caring theory, which is a middle-range theory that explains transpersonal caring. While nursing practice aims to promote health, prevent illness and provide care, Watson identified individual-nurse relations as a key concept in achieving the goals. She identified the need for transpersonal caring (concept A) which promotes (proposition) a healing environment (concept B) (Aghaei et al., 2020). Nurses provide interpersonal care by considering their patient’s spiritual, emotional, and social needs. The theory identifies that the caring structure is based upon ten carative factors that enhance creating and maintaining a healing environment for the caregiver and the patient (Pajnkihar et al., 2017). The ten carative factors also help in achieving transpersonal care which mainly focused on the inner world and subjective self.  The theory also emphasizes the need for nurses to bring their authentic nature while interacting with their patients.

Why the Theory is Considered a Grand Theory

The theory is considered a grand theory because it has a broad and complex scope that addresses various concepts and propositions that nurses can use during patient care (SHIREEN et al., 2020). Additionally, the theory has aligned around models and conceptual frameworks that help address the various situation that nurses might encounter during practice.

 

References

Aghaei, M., Vanaki, Z., & Mohammadi, E. (2020). Watson’s Human Caring Theory-Based Palliative Care: A Discussion Paper. International Journal Of Cancer Management, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.5812/ijcm.103027

Pajnkihar, M., McKenna, H., Štiglic, G., & Vrbnjak, D. (2017). Fit for Practice: Analysis and Evaluation of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Nursing Science Quarterly, 30(3), 243-252. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318417708409

SHIREEN, A., ASMA, A., & NOUREEN, H. (2020). NURSING THEORIES: FOUNDATION OF NURSING PROFESSION. I-Manager’S Journal On Nursing, 9(4), 45. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.9.4.16643

Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). Usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an integrative review. Scandinavian Journal Of Caring Sciences, 33(3), 540-555. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12670