The three main aspects of Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring include clinical processes that involve cherishing and valuing individuals, the development of transpersonal caring relationships, and the creation of caring moments (Dossey & Keegan, 2008). The theory emphasizes the need for nurses and caregivers to develop interpersonal relationships with individuals in order to improve the efficacy of nursing care. The theory has seven major assumptions. According to the theory, effective nursing care can only be given by developing an interpersonal relationship with a patient (Dossey & Keegan, 2008). The main aim of providing care is to satisfy certain human needs. In addition, effective nursing care promotes the health and growth of individuals. According to Watson, a caring environment should give individuals the opportunity to develop their potential and make choices regarding their preferred care plan. Caring moments occur when patients and nurses interact. It is important for nurses to know how to connect with patients at different emotional, spiritual, and physical levels. Finally, the theory considers caring as the most important aspect of nursing.
The Watson theory of interpersonal caring enumerates certain factors related to quality care that nurses should adhere to. Caregivers should instill faith and hope in individuals, embrace interpersonal teaching and learning, develop strong, helping, and trustworthy relationships, develop sensitivity to their needs and the needs of others, and develop humanistic-altruistic values. In addition, the theory requires caregivers to create an environment that promotes the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of individuals, and learn to accept and express both negative and positive feelings (Dossey & Keegan, 2008). The theory requires nurses to develop interpersonal relationships with individuals in order to offer care that caters to all the human needs of sick individuals.
The most important factors that form the foundation of the theory include the installation of faith and hope, the development of sensitivity to one’s feelings and the feelings of others, and the cultivation of human-altruistic values. Cultivating hope in individuals is important for the provision of nursing care and for the efficacy of the curative process. It enables nurses to improve an individual’s wellbeing in cases where treatment remedies fail. According to the theory, it is imperative for nurses to develop their feelings in order to enhance interaction with individuals at emotional levels. Sensitivity to people’s needs and suffering renders a nurse authentic, understanding, and compassionate (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2010). Developing a person-to-person relationship is an important part of nursing. Developing a relationship founded on trust, empathy, and compassion improves communication between nurses and individuals in need of care (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2010). Appropriate expression of feelings enables nurses to later the behaviors and thoughts of patients to develop strong relationships. Transpersonal caring involves connecting with individuals at both spiritual and emotional levels through the caring and curing processes. The consciousness and attention of a nurse should be directed towards improving the wellbeing of the sick individual (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2010). The theory encourages nurses to express understanding, compassion, and empathy for the needs and needs of others.
References
Dossey, B.M, & Keegan, L. (2008). Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice. New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Sitzman, K., & Eichelberger, L.W. (2010). Understanding the Work of Nurse Theorists: A Creative Beginning. New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning.