Watson Theory Concept Assignment Paper
Week 4: Discussion Question – Watson\’s Theory Concepts
Discussion Prompt
Find a concept within Watson’s Theory of Caring and a similar concept within any other nursing theory. Compare the two concepts for similarities and differences. Illustrate how a person reading about a theory can be influenced in their understanding of a theory if they have a different definition of a concept than the author.
Watson Theory Concept
Watson’s theory of human caring explores the concept of caring. It introduces caring as a science that embraces positive energy that flows from an integrated spirit, body and mind with a focus on benefiting/rewarding both the nurse and patient. Through applying the concept of caring as presented in Watson’s theory, nurses are expected to apply intentionality and authentic presence to optimize their ability to leverage their knowledge, skills and competencies in providing the required patient care. Madeleine Leininger’s culture care theory (transcultural nursing theory) similarly applies the concept of caring. It perceived caring in the context of professional nursing as applying professional care practice skills and knowledge obtained from targeted education to offer facilitative, enabling, supportive and assistive services that improve the human condition (Yoost & Crawford, 2016). Although the two theories apply the concept of caring in nursing, there are some differences . Watson Theory Concept Assignment Paper Watson’s theory perceives caring as centered on helping the patient to gain a higher degree of harmony within the soul, body and mind while Leininger’s theory perceived caring as creating an environment that helps the patient to achieve improved health.
Besides that, Watson’s theory describes caring as a human science that matches groups, families and individuals through transactions while Leininger’s theory describes caring as the unifying, dominant and central essence of nursing care. The two theories are congruent in their perception of caring concept within professional nursing as an activity concerned about the survival, wellbeing and needs of others to include patients, institutions, cultures, communities, groups and families (Smith & Parker, 2014). An individual reading the two theories would understand that the concept of caring within nursing is demonstrated through diverse meanings, lifestyles, patterns, actions and expressions with a focus on supporting nurses in ensuring the best care outcomes for patients.
References
Smith, M. & Parker, M. (2014). Nursing Theories & Nursing Practice (4th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
Yoost, B. & Crawford, L. (2016). Fundamentals of Nursing: Active Learning for Collaborative Practice. Elsevier. Watson Theory Concept Assignment Paper