Theoretical Foundations - Jean Watson
Theoretical Foundations - Jean Watson
Theoretical Foundations - Jean Watson
Notes About Notes About Caring: Jean Watson’s Theory Applied to LGBTQ Nursing
Colten Boyd
NURS 6600
Argyle
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NOTES ABOUT NOTES ABOUT CARING
Description
emphasizes the significance of caring in nursing practice. Born Margaret Jean Harman,
Jean Watson first became a nurse in 1964 with her BSN. Two years later, she
graduated with her Master’s degree in nursing, and later received a Doctorate in
Educational Psychology and counseling in 1973. It was around this time that Watson
had established the Nursing theory of Human Caring. After she had become a PhD, Dr.
Jean Watson served as faculty and administration for the University of Colorado, wrote
several books about nursing and nursing theory, and helped establish the first PhD
Nursing program at the University of Colorado. Later in the year 2005 she would be a
pivotal character in the development of the first clinical doctorate program, that would
later be the DNP program (Willis, 2017). After the development of her Theory of Human
Caring, Watson had two significant life events, the total loss of her left eye and soon
after that the loss of her husband who she considered to be her “physical and spiritual
partner, and her best friend” (Willis). Dr Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring has
had a profound impact on the way nurses approach patient care and the career paths of
all DNP.
Theory Description
Transpersonal Theory of Caring, and it teaches that caring is central to the nursing
profession and that it goes beyond the technical aspects of healthcare. Transpersonal,
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is the act of going beyond the default or normal state of the self, the ego, the conscious
person and experiencing and perceiving the world beyond the simple limits of a singular
person and their identity in a way that is connected with the ‘cosmos’ and all of those
around you. The theory has strong relations to several theorists that have strong ties in
psychology including Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
who are recognized with their development of the concept of transpersonal (Clark,
2016). Jean Watson describes human caring being made up of four categories; health,
nursing, environment, and human beings (Gonzalo, 2016). Health being the
homeostatic congruency between mind, body, and soul; Nursing being the science of
ethical human care; Environment being the social determinant of how one is expected
to be and behave; and Human Beings defined as a valued person who is to be cared for
(Gonzalo). The theory emphasizes the importance of forming authentic connections with
patients, showing empathy, and promoting healing through the therapeutic use of self.
The theory includes several key components to integrate together such as the
ten "Carative Factors" in and the transpersonal caring relationship, the aim being to
enhance the human experience of both the patient and the nurse. The Carative Factors
emphasize the importance of compassion, trust, and holistic care in nursing. They
encourage nurses to embrace altruistic values, inspire faith and hope, nurture trusting
with caring, balance teaching to individual needs, create healing environments that
respect human dignity, and minister to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
(Gonzalo). Additionally, the theory encourages nurses to remain open to the mysteries
of human existence and the potential for miraculous moments in healthcare. These
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Carative Factors serve as the foundational principles for providing patient-centered and
compassionate care.
As stated prior, Jean Watson developed her Nursing Theory of Caring in the late
1970s as a response to what she perceived as a lack of emphasis on the human side of
development of this theory, which sought to bring humanity back into the forefront of
healthcare. The loss of her eye and her husband, Watson had a deeper understanding
of her own theory, as described in her third published book titled “Postmodern Nursing
and Beyond” in the year 1999. In the book she stated she was “attempting to integrate
these wounds into my life and work” (Watson, 1999). This book was published one year
after the loss of her husband. Her theory had integration from her studies within
Theorist's Background
Psychology and Counseling. Her extensive background in nursing education and her
clinical experiences played a pivotal role in shaping her theory. She also has a number
Luton University in London, and the University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada. In 1993,
she was honored with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Martha E. Rogers Award,
where she later served on the Executive Committee and Governing Board, including a
term as president from 1995 to 1996. The NLN also recognized her with an honorary
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lifetime holistic nurse certificate in 1997. Her contributions to nursing were further
Colorado School of Nursing in 1992 and received the Distinguished Nurse Scholar title
from New York University in 1998. In 1999, she assumed the Murchison-Scoville
international impact is equally impressive, with her receiving a Fulbright Research and
Kellogg Fellowship in Australia in 1982, and participating in lecture tours and projects in
led to her being awarded the Fetzer Institute's national Norman Cousins Award in 1999,
among other recognitions. In 2015 and 2016, she received additional honors from
institutions such as Notre Dame University, the United Nations, and the International
Society for Caring and Peace in Japan. Jean Watson's enduring legacy in the field of
I would most likely apply the Theory of Human Caring to the Caring/Becoming
School of thought. In our textbook it is described as coming about in the 1980’s, around
the time that this theory came about from existential philosophy and for the purpose of
bringing about equity (Meleis, 2016). Within this school of thought, the questions that
are asked are “What do nurses do?” and “How do nurses do what they do?”. Watson’s
theory is centered around healing people and has a focus on humanistic caring. Things
that are taught by caring theorists include the following: caring is central to the process
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of bringing the lives of patients and nurses together, caring is central to the discipline of
nursing, and nurses who actually integrate caring into their practice leaver have been
transformed (Meleis). This is a beautiful and also heartbreaking concept when you look
into the way that healthcare is run today in some places, especially within acute care.
Influences
Chardin. I would include Florence Nightingale into this as well. In Jean Watson’s Written
Theory of Human Caring states in the conclusion “Consistent with the wisdom and
seeking to understand and preserve the wholeness of human existence across time and
Woodward, 2020). Both nursing theorists emphasize a holistic approach to patient care.
They both recognize that it includes not only the physical but also the psychological,
the healing is echoed in Watson's theory, which underscores the creation of a caring
Literature Review
Watson’s theory has been utilized a number of times in articles and in books.
Use of Google scholar searching for “Jean Watson Theory of Human Caring” yields
20,400 and a search within Ebscohost yields 164,629 within the domain allowed by
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Idaho State University and with a limitation of full text only it has 13,128 results that are
open to idaho state university students and faculty. Past literature has demonstrated the
explored its use in acute care, primary care, and mental health settings, showing its
versatility (Kamen, Alpert, Margolies, Griggs, Darbes, Smith-Stoner, & Norton, 2019).
With use of boolean searches, to search the same as above and to include “LGBTQ
with an ‘AND’ search brought one article that did not fully fit the themes of human caring
in regards to LGBTQ healthcare. That said, Watson’s theory works directly with the
topic because of its inclusivity and its caring approach to treatment and nursing. The
theory has influenced healthcare practices by encouraging a more holistic and patient-
centered approach. In addition, it has played a role in shaping policies related to patient-
Evaluation
One of the strengths of Jean Watson's Nursing Theory of Caring is its ease of
adoption. Its principles align with the core values of nursing, making it a natural fit for
nursing practice. In fact, I did not know that this was a theory prior to reading about her
life and theory; mostly because it is the core of and the whole point of being a nurse.
While widely recognized, some healthcare institutions and professionals may face
challenges in fully adopting the theory due to time constraints and the need for cultural
shifts in healthcare settings. Additionally, further testing and research are needed to
measuring caring empirically, which has led to skepticism among some healthcare
professionals. We have all seen a nurse where we felt that they could have cared a little
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more, but because it is case by case and hard to gauge with no scale, then it really
cannot be measured. One area that requires attention in Jean Watson's Nursing Theory
of Caring is the development of more concrete measurement tools for assessing caring
behaviors. This would help address the skepticism and promote wider adoption. To
reduce limitations and improve adoption, research efforts should focus on developing
valid and reliable instruments to measure caring behaviors and their impact on patient
outcomes. Additionally, further education and training in the theory may help healthcare
Critique
Watson’s theory outlines a change of focus for nurses from curing a patient to
caring for a patient. The concept is laid out clearly and directly. Is the theory complex?
The concepts within Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring can be complex due to
their interdisciplinary nature and their exploration of nursing care. However, the theory
also strives for clarity and emphasizes the need to be interconnected, providing a
holistic framework for nursing practice that values human caring and the nurse-patient
relationship. Its adaptability and cultural sensitivity are additional strengths (Watson &
applying the theory may vary based on their familiarity with nursing theory and their
specific educational and practice context. Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring has
had a significant influence on nursing practice, education, and research since its
development in the late 1970s. It has been widely applied in various healthcare settings,
although the extent of its application can vary by region and institution. The degree of
application may vary, with some nurses and institutions incorporating the theory more
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numbers, productivity, and profit, the less nurses are able to apply this nursing theory.
In regards to my population of focus, I would say that the theory focuses well on
patient focused care. Applying Jean Watson's Caring Theory to LGBTQ care as a
Doctor of Nursing Practice involves recognizing the unique needs and challenges that
LGBTQ individuals may face in healthcare settings and providing care that is holistic,
providing culturally competent care, offering emotional support, and collaborating with
LGBTQ organizations.
The theory's greatest strength lies in its emphasis on the human connection
between nurses and patients, promoting healing beyond the physical aspects of care.
Its holistic approach aligns with contemporary healthcare's movement towards patient-
centered and culturally sensitive care. To reduce limitations, the theory should be
tools. Efforts should be made to integrate it more comprehensively into nursing curricula
to ensure that future generations of nurses are fully educated in its principles.
Application
creation of a therapeutic caring relationship aligns with the goals of providing culturally
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competent and inclusive care to LGBTQ patients. This theory is well-suited for LGBTQ
nurses to provide care that acknowledges the unique challenges and experiences of
For some, it would encourage them to take a caring approach to treating these patients
despite their difference in beliefs. I believe that all people should be treated the same
way, and advocate strongly for trans and queer rights, but there are many people that
have a difference of belief. Through Jean Watson’s theory, the care provided will not
only provide the best care they can but should assist the nurse to leave a “transformed
person” with a better understanding of this person’s/population’s point of view and the
With use of the 7 step analysis, it goes as follows: The specific aspect of practice
being analyzed is the application of Jean Watson's Nursing Theory of Caring in LGBTQ
Assumptions supporting these intended purposes include the belief that caring is
emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals, and that a strong nurse-patient relationship
is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. Queer individuals benefit from the application of
Watson's theory in healthcare as it ensures that their unique needs, concerns, and
identities are acknowledged and respected. It promotes their physical, emotional, and
psychological well-being, because the theory emphasizes the need for holistic care. The
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disadvantage would be for queer individuals who do not receive care that aligns with
Watson's theory, as they may experience discrimination, lack of empathy, and a less-
than-optimal healthcare experience. This is not the goal of the theory, but because of
other influences, it can be a possible downfall. Cultural and social norms, discrimination,
and healthcare policies, all contribute to societal influences that affect this theory.
Discrimination and stigma against LGBTQ individuals in society can hinder the full
policies and practices within healthcare institutions, the creation of safe and welcoming
done in collaboration with and while being led by LGBTQ advocacy organizations and
individuals within that community to promote awareness and sensitivity (Nixon, Yeung,
Conclusion
care. Born out of a desire to rekindle the human side of nursing, this theory has made a
Watson's theory to LGBTQ healthcare, nurses and healthcare providers have the
opportunity to create a caring and inclusive healthcare environment where the unique
needs and concerns of queer individuals are acknowledged and respected. Jean
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healthcare and to recognize the shared humanity that connects us all. It is a call to
transform not only the way we care for patients but also ourselves, leaving us with a
better understanding of diverse perspectives and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ
community.
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References
https://nurseslabs.com/jean-watsons-philosophy-theory-transpersonal-caring/
Kamen, C. S., Alpert, A., Margolies, L., Griggs, J. J., Darbes, L., Smith-Stoner, M., ... &
queer (LGBTQ) patients with cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 27, 2525-2532.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781496381736
Nixon, S. A., Yeung, E., Shaw, J. A., Kuper, A., & Gibson, B. E. (2017). Seven-Step
Framework for Critical Analysis and Its Application in the Field of Physical
Watson, J. (1999). Postmodern nursing and beyond. The nursing profession: Tomorrow
Watson, J., & Woodward, T. (2020). Jean Watson's theory of human caring. SAGE
Publications Limited.
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Theorists and Their Work. 9th ed. St. Louis-MI: Elsevier, 66-78.
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