Applying a Caring Theoretical Model in Advanced Nursing Practice- A Systematic Approach
Theoretical models are structured ideas or thought processes intended to project a tentative and systematic perspective or view of a specific phenomenon. Theoretical models in nursing have been postulated to explain various concepts within nursing practice. Various caring theoretical models have been postulated. One such kind is Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring.
Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring focuses on how nurse practitioners show care to their patients. This theory exploits the science of nursing care and how it intertwines with the humanistic nature of nurses (Pajnkihar et al., 2017). This theory asserts that nursing practice concerns health promotion, disease prevention, health restoration, and showing care to the sick. Watson’s theory is thus targeted at bringing a paradigm shift in nursing practice that will see nurse practitioners deviate from the conventional health provision approach targeted at health promotion and disease alleviation to an ultimate expression of care to their patients. This theory reinforces the significance of adopting a holistic approach in the healthcare provision system that not only targets the healing of the body but also the healing of the mind.
In developing this theoretical model, Watson described metaparadigm concepts within the scope of nursing practice that entailed human beings, health, and the science of nursing. She defined human beings as valued beings who deserve the utmost care, assistance, respect, and nurturing. In this regard, this theory suggests that patients should be viewed as human beings and not as a consequence of their incarceration. Health is defined as the overall physical and mental well-being. Health, in this theory, is not just viewed as the absence of disease or suffering but as the general, holistic well-being of a person. This theory describes nursing as a science of individuals and their disease experience, while nurses are health professionals who mediate individual health disease experiences by providing ethical and scientific interactions (Vandenhouten et al., 2016). The theory also outlines Caritas, which defines environment as a fourth metaparadigm concept.
Theoretical models attempt to package thought processes intended to explain a given phenomenon. Watson’s theory of interpersonal caring is an example of such theories. This theory explains the interlinkage between nursing science and caring. It explains the significance of caring in attaining well-being. It also underlines the importance of a holistic approach to care provision services.
References
Pajnkihar, M., Štiglic, G., & Vrbnjak, D. (2017). The concept of Watson’s carative factors in nursing and their (dis)harmony with patient satisfaction. Peerj, 5, e2940. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2940
Vandenhouten, C., Kubsch, S., Peterson, M., Murdock, J., & Lehrer, L. (2016). Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring. Holistic Nursing Practice, 26(6), 326-334. https://doi.org/10.1097/