Christ the King College

College of Nursing
Calbayog City

Name of Student Duran, Joan D. Course&Section BSN 1-E

Name of Instructor Esther Ann S. Refuncion, RN Date 06/19/24

ASSIGNMENT OF FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING UNIT 1&2:

Make a critique of one (1) nursing theory.
Encoded. At least 1,000 words.

Critique of Jean Watson’s

Theory of Human Caring

The Theory of Transpersonal Caring, which is another name for Jean Watson's Theory of Human
Caring, is one of the most well-known and well-recognized nursing theories. In regard to human caring
processes and the interactions between the nurse and the patient, it highlights the humanistic elements
of nursing. Watson's thesis is predicated on the notion that providing care need not only be a task-
oriented approach to healthcare, but also be a moral goal. The strengths and weaknesses of Watson's
Theory of Human Caring will be examined in this critique, which will also assess the theory's
applicability in the real world, theoretical underpinnings, and overall influence on nursing practice.
Foundations in Theory:
Developed in the late 1970s, Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring has undergone numerous
revisions throughout time. Ten curative factors which eventually became caritas processes that Watson
thought were crucial to the caring-healing process serve as the foundation for the idea. These include,
among other things, making decisions, practicing loving-kindness, fostering sensitivity to oneself and
others, and instilling faith and optimism.
Advantages:
▪ Holistic Approach: Watson's theory's holistic approach to patient care is one of its main advantages. It
incorporates the mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of health while acknowledging their
interdependence and complexity.
▪ Relationship Emphasis: The approach emphasizes the significance of the relationship between a
nurse and a patient, promoting a profoundly compassionate bond that extends beyond simple clinical
exchanges. More individualized and efficient care may result from this emphasis on relational caring.
Watson's theory is grounded in ethics and morality, highlighting the moral obligation to show
compassion. This offers a solid philosophical foundation that is consistent with the fundamental
principles of nursing as a profession.
Limitations:
▪ Abstract and Philosophical Nature: Watson's theory's ethical and philosophical foundations are both a
strength and a challenge. The theory's abstract nature can make it challenging to operationalize and
quantify in concrete terms, which could cause problems for practical implementation.
▪ Absence of Empirical backing: Watson's theory is criticized for lacking strong empirical backing for its
assertions. Even if they are significant, the emphasis on qualitative aspects of care may not have the
rigorous quantitative confirmation that is frequently needed in the healthcare industry.
▪ Generalization Problems: Due to its wide applicability, the theory may not be able to sufficiently
handle particular clinical circumstances or a variety of cultural contexts. It could be viewed as idealistic
at times and not always appropriate for the hectic, high-stress settings of contemporary healthcare.
Useful Applications:
Watson's Theory of Human Caring has been implemented in numerous educational and clinical
contexts. It has impacted everything from organizational rules to bedside nursing procedures,
encouraging a compassionate culture in healthcare facilities.
Advantages:
▪ Better Patient Outcomes: Research indicates that when nurses apply Watson's caring principles,
overall patient outcomes and satisfaction can rise. Prioritizing holistic treatment has the potential to
improve patient compliance, accelerate recovery, and lessen worry and stress.
▪ Nurse Satisfaction: Watson's focus on nurses' personal development and self-care can result in a
decrease in burnout and an increase in job satisfaction. The idea encourages a healthy work
atmosphere by appreciating the nurse as a whole person.
▪ Integration with Education: The idea is extensively incorporated into nursing education, influencing the
attitudes and behaviors of aspiring nurses. This can result in a cohesive and uniform approach to care
in many healthcare settings.
Limitations:
▪ Challenges with Implementation: It can be difficult to put Watson's theory into practice in hectic clinical
settings. Watson encourages thorough, contemplative care, but nurses sometimes struggle to put this
into reality due to time restrictions and a heavy patient load.
▪ Resource-Intensive: The theory's all-encompassing methodology may need for greater time,
education, and support networks. This may not be possible in situations with limited resources, which
could result in differences in the caliber of care given.
▪ Subjectivity in Practice: Watson emphasizes that care is personal and subjective, which can result in
inconsistent practices. Diverse nurses may have different interpretations and applications of the
principles, which could result in inconsistent patient care.
Effects on the Practice of Nursing:
The nursing profession has been greatly influenced by Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, which
has shaped nursing practice and philosophy. It has impacted nursing research, policies, and curricula,
encouraging a more person-centered and compassionate approach to healthcare.
Advantages:
▪ Reaffirming Core principles: Watson's theory has contributed to the reaffirmation of the fundamental
nursing principles, which place an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and human connection.
Maintaining the integrity and ethos of the profession depends on this.
▪ Leading Research and Practice: The theory has given rise to a growing corpus of information about
the significance of caring in healthcare by serving as a framework for a number of research projects. It
also provides helpful advice on how to create healing and loving practices in a variety of contexts.
▪ Cultural Shift: Watson's thesis has helped bring about a change in the way healthcare companies
prioritize and approach patient care by encouraging a caring culture. Healthcare systems that are more
patient-centered and compassionate may result from this cultural shift.
▪ Opposition to Change: Watson's idea may encounter opposition even in the face of its benefits.
Healthcare companies with a strong emphasis on cost- and efficiency-cutting may be hesitant to use
procedures that are thought to be more labor-intensive or less measurable.
▪ Sustainability Issues: Watson's idea needs constant attention if it is to be upheld over time.
CONCLUSION:
The Theory of Human Caring by Jean Watson provides a comprehensive and morally sound foundation
for nursing practice. Its emphasis on the nurse-patient interaction, holistic care, and the moral obligation
to care are in line with the fundamental principles of the nursing profession. However, the theory has
important limitations due to its abstract and philosophical nature, as well as difficulties with empirical
confirmation and real-world application. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Watson's theory has
significantly influenced nursing practice, research, and education, encouraging a change in the
direction of more person-centered and compassionate care. In order to ensure that the benefits of the
theory may be realized in a variety of dynamic clinical situations, it will be imperative going ahead to
integrate Watson's concepts with the practical realities of contemporary healthcare. Maintaining the
relevance and applicability of Watson's Theory of Human Caring in the future would require striking a
balance between the humanistic features of care and improvements in technology and resource
restrictions.