Jean Watsons Theory of Caring:

Metaparadigm
By: Sheldon Hubert
Jean Watson
Caring is a moral ideal
that can be
demonstrated through
curative factors (nursing
interventions) that allow
for contact between the
subjective world of the
experiencing persons
(Watson/1985).
THE PERSON (PATIENT)
Is subjective and unique, not objective,
predictable and calculating.
Has distinct human needs, which are
biophysical, psychophysical, psychosocial and
interpersonal.
Is to be valued, cared for, respected, nurtured,
understood and assisted.
Is a functioning whole, there is no division
among the mind, body and spirit
(George/2002).
Is directly influenced by their external
environment.
 THE ENVIRONMENT
Is crucial to the holistic healing (mental, physical, social,
emotional, spiritual, developmental, protective,
supportive environments), which is conducive to a
patients health and wellbeing, and it also affects the
nurses within a caring-healing model (Bernick, 2004).
Contains noise, privacy, light, access to nature, color,
space and smells that can have an impact on the caring-
healing process (Watson/1999).
Includes the nurses presence, voice, touch,
consciousness, face and feelings (Watson, 2005).
Is usually designed as a home-like environment but
these systems still fall short as healing spaces
(Watson/1999).
HEALTH
Is viewed holistically, as the unity
between the physical, social, mental
and spiritual self, with all parts working
together in harmony and functioning to
their full capacity.
Is a perceived by the patient and is
influenced by their own unique life
experiences (Bernick/2004).
Entirely includes a individuals physical,
social, aesthetic and moral realms, not
just their behaviour and physiology
(George/2002).
NURSING Is a caring, meaningful and harmonic connective
bond that is shared between the nurse and the
patient (George/2002), which is known as sacred
space (Watson/2005).
Is providing caring, professional and thoughtful
interactions to restore and promote holistic health
and to prevent illness.
Is a presence of infinity love/spirit/universal
energy, which provides support and care needed
for inner healing (Watson/2005).
Provides a supportive human presence, with
voice, touch, facial expression, feelings and
consciousness (Watson/2005).
Is a holistic practice that is complementary to
medicine, but different.
Presentation References
George, J. (2002). Nursing Theories: The Base for Professional
Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
Bernick, L. (2004). Caring for Older Adults: Practice Guided by
Watsons Caring-Healing Model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(2)
128-134
Watson, J. (1985). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring.
Colorado: Associated University Press.
Watson, J. (1999). Postmodernism and Knowledge Development in
Nursing. Perspectives on Philosophy of Science in Nursing: An
Historical and Contemporary Anthology, Lippincott, 471-6
Watson, J. (2005). Holding Holy Spaces in Our Face, Hands and
Hearts. Caring Science as Sacred Science, FA Davis, 92-96
Picture References
Holding Heart Picture: www.ps21.gov.sg/.../2007_12/images/caring.jpg
Caring Dad Picture: www.coloradoan.com/graphics/blogs/caring_dads.jpg
Nursing Art Picture: www.adventurequilter.com/.../Caring-web.jpg
Jean Watson Picture: www.sttialphakappa.org/Watson_Jean.jpg
Patient Picture: www.spacelabs.com/patient-monitoring-
connectivity/images/patient-monitoring-connectivity.jpg
Environment Picture: http://nymag.com/health/besthospitals/24095
Health Picture: http://www.freehealthandwellnessinfo.com/health%20wellness
%20articles%20-%20apple%20image.jpg
Nursing Picture: www.centegra.org/.../Nurse_and_Patient.jpg