Take one component in the Metaparadigm of Nursing, identify and discuss the concept or concepts of Watson’s Theory of Caring that support that Watson wrote a theory of nursing based on the criteria established in the Metaparadigm of Nursing.
Metaparadigm and Watsons Theory of Caring
The metaparadigm of nursing is comprised of four main concepts (person, nursing, environment and health). These concepts are interrelated and fundamental to nursing theory. One theory that is based on the concepts is Watson’s Theory of Caring, a middle range nursing theory that is more concrete, focused and geared towards practice. As a middle range theory, Watson’s Theory of Caring is made up of limited number of propositions and concepts that are written at a relatively specific and concrete level (Butts & Rich, 2018). One component that stands out in the theory is person (human being). Metaparadigm and Watsons Theory of Caring Discussion Paper The criteria set by the metaparadigm of nursing perceives a person as the recipient of nursing care, and this could include communities, families, groups, patients and individuals. Watson’s Theory of Caring perceives a person as an embodies spirit that is valued in and of himself/herself to be care for, assisted, understood, nurtured, and respected (Raingruber, 2017).
In the theory’s philosophical arguments, a person is a fully functioning integrated self. This definition perceives a human being as different from and greater than the sum of his/her parts. A whole person includes the spirit, body and mind, with no division. It is evident that Watson’s Caring Theory focuses on the individual, recognizing that the needs of the person are above all. The application of the theory in planning and providing care for a patient helps to focus care on individual treatment, educational needs, health care needs, and identification of risk factors (McEwen & Wills, 2018). The theory considers a person as both a spiritual being and a physical being, with an individual existence and experiences. The theory includes a spiritual element that allows for a deeper connection that transcends the moment between the patient and nurse. This implies that an ideal health and wellbeing would only be achieved when there is harmony in the soul, body and mind of the person so that he/she is congruent with the real self. At the core of this is the understanding that nurses must respect the unique qualities of each patient and provide care that is individualized to meet each patient’s needs (Fawcett, 2017).
References
Butts, J., & Rich, K. (Eds.) (2018). Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.
Fawcett, J. (2017). Applying Conceptual Models of Nursing: Quality Improvement, Research, and Practice. Springer Publishing Company.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2018). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Raingruber, B. (2017). Contemporary Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.
Metaparadigm and Watsons Theory of Caring Discussion Paper