A Critique of Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring Essay

Different views of nursing gave rise to the formulation of various nursing theories that contribute greatly to the advancement and evolution of the nursing profession as a whole. Some focus on the curative nature of nursing, while others revolve around the social and ethical aspect of the profession that complements conventional medicine. Among the latter is Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring, which this paper attempts to analyze and evaluate using J. Fawcett’s Framework of Analysis and Evaluation of Conceptual Models of Nursing. Dr. Watson’s personal views of nursing brought about the conception of the theory in 1979, at the time when she was a professor of nursing at the University of Colorado. Her background in educational-clinical and social psychology influenced these views, along with her involvement in a nursing curriculum that sought to establish a standard to nursing that transcends settings, populations, specialty, subspecialty areas and so forth. It was an attempt to bring meaning and focus to nursing as an emerging discipline and distinct health profession with its own unique values, knowledge and practices, with its own ethic and mission to society (Watson, 2006). Originally, Watson’s theory revolved around three major elements, namely the carative factors, the transpersonal caring relationship, and the caring moment. She stated ten carative factors that served as guidelines for the nursing practice and basically centered on the principles of caring. The transpersonal caring relationship describes how the nurse goes beyond an objective assessment, showing concerns toward the person’s subjective and deeper meaning regarding their own health care situation, while the caring moment is defined as the moment (focal point in space and time) when the nurse and another person come together in such a way that an occasion for human caring is created (Cara, 2003). In this context, the four essential concepts of nursing – person, environment, health, and nursing – are encompassed in the theory. Being holistic in nature, the theory presents its framework as a congregation of all these concepts, centering on the person. Watson regards a person as an individual with unique qualities and unique needs. The person is recognized as a being capable of communicating with another beyond physical interaction. The person is viewed as whole and complete, regardless of illness of disease (Watson, 2006). The environment is regarded as a healing space, where the person’s awareness and consciousness can expand and promote mindbodyspirit wholeness and healing (Watson, 1999). Inevitably, the state of a patient’s environment can influence an individual’s state of health. The physical environment can affect how the person can connect and exist in the spiritual environment created by transpersonal caring relationships, and could affect the effectiveness of the science of caring. Health is referred to as the unity and harmony within the mind, body and soul. It is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and functioning (Hagopian, 2007). The theory establishes that caring can promote a person’s health better than the curative means of conventional medicine. Through caring, the care giver recognizes the condition of the recipient at a deeper level, enabling him/her to sympathize as needed, and provide the appropriate care needed by the patient. With this means of understanding the patient better, there is greater chance of addressing the patient’s needs, creating the needed balance in his/her physical, mental, and social well-being. Watson defines nursing â€Å"as a human science of persons and human health – illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† (Watson, 1988). The theory also emphasizes caring as central to nursing, and is essentially what the theory wishes to achieve. Nursing is not just about curing an illness or disease – it is beyond that. It is about the nurse being able to center consciousness on the entire being of the other in order to detect his/her inner condition, and impart genuine concern through caring moments communicated through â€Å"movements, gestures, facial expressions, procedures, information, touch, sound, verbal expressions and other scientific, technical, aesthetic, and human means of communication.† The role of consciousness is deemed greatly important, because then the nurse exhibits commitment and sincere intention to connect with the patient at a deeper level, thus becoming an effective aid in nursing the patient back to health, physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Watson, 2006). As can be derived from what has been discussed, the theory is concerned with establishing nursing as a profession distinct from the curative nature of conventional medicine, to which it has been originally strongly associated with – the original role of the nurse being to primarily care for the patient as dictated and required by disease or illness. The theory places emphasis on the transcendent and healing quality of a caring relationship shared by nurse and patient. It describes how transpersonal caring goes beyond physical reality and ventures into the spiritual, opening greater possibilities of healing and well-being, as opposed to disease-based medication and regard to patient. Watson’s theory has guided nursing practices in different areas, including rehabilitation centers, hospices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Watson’s model proved to be socially significant, as well. It has served as a conceptual framework for guiding community health nursing practice, and has been described as â€Å"philosophically congruent with contemporary global approaches to community health and health promotion† (Rafael, 2000). However, this model can both lead to nursing activities that meet social expectations, and create expectations that require societal change. In this time when people think twice before trusting, nursing professionals may have to exert more conscious effort in making the connection and creating transpersonal caring relationships because beyond the hesitation, society expects the nursing community to be sympathetic, concerned, and genuinely caring of their patient. On the other hand, as transpersonal caring becomes increasingly successful in the improvement of the patient’s well-being, higher expectations of nurses are created. This may lead to society being increasingly dependent on nurses, and less on medical technology. The effectiveness of Watson’s theory has been validated with its use as a guide in several studies centering on caring science. It has been â€Å"recommended as a guide to nursing patients with hypertension, as one means of decreasing blood pressure and increase in quality of life,† in a study made on its effectiveness on the quality of life and blood pressure of patients with hypertension in Turkey (Erci, Sayan, Tortumluoglu, Kilic, Sahin, & Gungormus, 2003). In another study on caring for old adults, it was established that the theory was effective in improving the quality of life and peace of mind, body, and soul of the older people, just by caring and listening attentively to what they have to say (Bernick, 2004). Through the years since the conception of the theory, Watson’s work continues to evolve. In recent updates, she had offered the concept of clinical caritas processes over the original carative factors. It basically injects more spirituality and love into the framework. Such a perspective ironically places nursing within its most mature framework, consistent with the Nightingale model of nursing, yet to be actualized, but awaiting its evolution within a caring-healing theory. This direction, ironically while embedded in theory, goes beyond theory and becomes a converging paradigm for nursing’s future (Watson, 2006). References Bernick, L. (2004). Caring for older adults: practice guided by Watson’s caring-healing model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(2):128-34. Cara, C. (2003). A pragmatic view of Jean Watson’s caring theory. International Journal of Human Caring, 7(3), 51-61. Erci, B., Sayan, A.,Tortumluoglu, G., Kilic, D., Sahin, O., & Gungormus Z. (2003). The effectiveness of Watson’s Caring Model on the quality of life and blood pressure of patients with hypertension. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 41(2), 130–139. Hagopian, G. (2007). Nursing theorists. Retrieved February 8, 2007 from www.nipissingu.ca/faculty/arohap/aphome/NURS3006/Resources/theorists.ppt Rafael, AR. (2000). Watson’s philosophy, science, and theory of human caring as a conceptual framework for guiding community health nursing practice. ANS. Advances in Nursing Science, 23(2):34-49. Watson, J. (1988). Nursing: Human science and human care. A theory of nursing (2nd printing). New York: National League for Nursing. Watson, J. (1999). Postmodern nursing and beyond. Toronto, Canada: Churchill Livingstone. Watson, J. (2006). Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Retrieved February 8, 2007 from http://www2.uchsc.edu/son/caring/content/evolution.asp

Orginal writing Essay

      He had relied on stray sheep and animals as he knew he couldn’t go past the village as he’d die, he decided to wait to see if anyone comes back he’d use his brother killing him with the knife he’d been given my his late master, exchanging his brothers soul for his own freedom to travel beyond the borders. He also knew the only other thing that could send him to his ultimate fate was also the knife; he also knew that the opposite to what he wanted to happen could happen. He could if struck by the knife be killed also. In the air the very essence of evil hung in the air, the endless darkness sweeping forward devouring everything in its path. Cobwebs hung everywhere filled with decaying flies; the only light came in from the holes in the walls piercing the darkness. The small of centuries of decomposition stung the nostrils and the throat. The only sound was the drip of water and the occasional settling of giant spiders; the cobwebs snared the skin hoping to catch the person as if he was a fly. It was startling the in contrast with the cold air in the hills. He was anxious, he’d reached his objective, and half knew the old man was right. It was suicide. The man with jet black hair stooped low moving surprisingly quickly and quietly for a man his age following David to stop the worst thing that could ever happen, happen by doing he risked the worlds safety. David’s worst fears were realized stood in front of him but facing the other was the monster, he was like a huge upright wolf with huge black eagle like wings. The dark hair that covered his body was like needles, he looked that he could destroy anything. He flew out of the window, looking for stray sheep or so he thought. He ran through endless rooms and corridors before finally stopping in a room. A room filled with gold it gleamed newly polished beyond perfection. A room that within its walls tucked into a corner was a blood red handled knife. He took it just incase and ran until he came across someone, or something. The old man with jet black hair stumbled in agony; the monster had just caught him! Breathing both of his legs unable to move he sat and waited, waited for the inevitable for the knife to pierce him. He knew he was making a mistake, but if he did die, the worst possible thing couldn’t happen, this thought calmed him, as he slipped into unconsciousness. The monster searched and searched for thee knife knocking over wall after wall trying to find it. He was excited the time had come and the world would pay. He saw out of the corner of his eye he saw David stooped low shaking in fear. He snatched the knife off him. Then slammed him into one of the castle walls, not killing him but David were wise enough to pretend to be. David waited till the monster as a distance away then thought of what he had just seen. The monster had big red inflamed eyes, razor like teeth and two gleaming fangs. He stood on two legs not all fours and looked as powerful as he was deadly. David decide to get out while he could, he sprinted to the exit. The monster loomed over the old man with the knife. Stabbed him. His blood splashed on the ground forming a crimson puddle. The knife itself seemed to glow, the blood on the blade instantly congealed. A wisp of grey crossed from body to blade, sealing the world’s fate. David saw this hiding in one of the corners. He knew he should run but his legs would not allow it he wondered why the monster never had the time to kill him. Now he knew. He was taken over by something he sprinted over to the monster that was taken by surprise. He then reached out a hand a jumped almost horizontally through the air. In all one move he took the dagger and plunged it deep into the monsters neck. He landed. The ground below him started to shake soon the ground gave way but not before the monster erupted into an inferno instantly killing David. His last thought was one of relief that the monster was dead and pride that it was he that had done it. The castle collapsed into itself. The knife and the two bodies buried under the ruins with them the knife, waiting for a new master to control it.

Maternal vitamin D and brain development Research Paper

Maternal vitamin D and brain development - Research Paper Example However, scientists are conducting further studies to find the maximum possible quantity of Vitamin D intake for pregnant and lactating mothers, while considering any possible side effects of its higher dose intake. Nevertheless, it is an established fact that this supplement helps in the development of skeletal and brain of the fetus, during pregnancy without any malfunction. While deficiency of Vitamin D is common in female population of countries with less sunshine, it is more evident in women with darker skin pigmentation.. In addition, research has found that 9.2 percent females are having such deficiency against the 6.6 percent males. The benefits of Vitamin D intake during pregnancy include helping in development of strong bone structure, as its deficiency results in reduced bone mineral content for the newborn. Chances of miscarriage are reduced with intake of Vitamin D that produces immunological changes in the mother, during early stages of pregnancy. In addition, medical research has found a link between Vitamin D and medical abnormalities like schizophrenia, as its deficiency can effect the normal brain development causing such kind of malfunction during adulthood.(Hollis & Wagner, 2014) Research has also collected evidence that Vitamin D intake during pregnancy can help in preventing the development of immunological diseases like asthma, wheezing, allergic infections, diabetes and respiratory tract infections, after the child grows into adulthood. Skull bones are also strengthened by the intake of this supplement as its deficiency means week skull bone structure that can cause brain injury at the time of delivery. Several epidemiological studies suggest that while Vitamin D deficiency is common in almost all pregnancies, it is more prevalent in black women, as they represent 29 percent of the total females having low intake of Vitamin D, against 5 percent of

Discuss the differences between Hamilton's and Jefferson's views on Essay

Discuss the differences between Hamilton's and Jefferson's views on politics, society and economics. Were there any areas of agreement between the two Which view(s) do you find most compelling Explain - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to underscore the differences between Hamilton and Jefferson’s views on politics, society and economics. Both luminaries contributed immensely towards these subjects. Finseth lays bare the political wrangles that existed between Hamilton and Alexander. The Constitutional Convention of June 18, 1787 expressed Hamilton’s radicalism. Hamilton differed vehemently with the Republicans who did not agree with his ideas of establishing social and political strata. His view is that the noble and rich fellows of society belong to a class of the intelligent. They have both foresight and far-sight and are therefore more qualified to execute the measures put in place to rule the public. The others, Hamilton purports, are petty self-seekers who cannot be entrusted with the running of the state affairs. He proposed to have a president for life, one who could not be subject to the erratic and indecisive electorate. This political philosophy was very distinctive. Hamiltons other success sprung from his plan that the central government clear all the debts that states had sustained during the war. He argued that this war was for the whole union and it was incumbent upon the union to take up responsibility to settle it for its good. This assumption invited a series of criticism threatening to overcome the entire plan. The whole idea was deemed to fail and lead to the disintegration of the union, thanks to an informal dinner arranged by Jefferson. In an alleged and economic conspiracy, Hamilton’s assumption was passed with an agreement to have the Federalists consent to set the national capital on the Potomac. The bill was passed and Hamilton’s plans carried the day. He went in full favor of the plan for he believed that it was the best thing that ever happened to the United States, the best hope for an efficient union. He was not alone in believing that the potential consequences of rejecting the Constitution would breed less

Health care marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Health care marketing - Essay Example Each patient wants to receive quality health care services. Quality health care is a priority to every individual because it means life. Marketers in this field should identify the specific needs of the client and design health care products that target to address these needs. Comfort and care prove to be the leading need of the patient. Businesses in this field should seek to persuade the patient with quality in terms of effectiveness, comfort, speed, and specialized care. With many businesses in this field projecting inefficiencies in satisfying the patient and his family, a business that prioritizes these needs is likely to stand out among the competitors. Effective marketing should seek to persuade the patient and family with an assurance of expertise in health care provision, speedy diagnosis, and professional advice from consultants. With such conviction, patients will be able to try out a health care provider. If they derive satisfaction, clients will develop a level of loyalt y that is good for the business. On a different note, healthcare providers should adopt a new business culture. These businesses should give the patient the freedom to make an informed choice. This will only occur if these enterprises disclose the charges of their services prior to delivery of these services. A transparent health care system will enable compare prices between different health care providers. That comparison will enable the clients to choose the one that presents a higher utility worth the price. Majority of health care providers assume that patients do not need to know prices before hand. However, it is reasonable to let the patient make informed health care choices. The health care sector can increase clients through effective marketing and deliverance of quality health services. Understanding the specific needs of clients and designing services that seek to satisfy those needs should be a priority. A patient will visit a health care provider

An Analysis of the Film Mongol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

An Analysis of the Film Mongol - Essay Example The essay "An Analysis of the Film Mongol" talks about the film "Mongol" by Sergej Bodrov. The film presents the story of the rise to power of Ghengis Khan. In the discussion of the film, this essay will focus on five key points; the value of tradition and culture, the role of women, leadership, war strategy, and loyalty. Traditional and culture is at the heart of the film ‘Mongol’. At the beginning of the film, there is relative order in the country because the current Khans of the clans are strong. There is hostility between them and certainly, there is no sense of unity, but there is also no all out war. However, when Khan Yesugei is killed, things begin to unravel. It is interesting to note that he in fact killed as a result of a traditional ritual. There are certain rules which the clans respect and one of them is not to attack other clans when using a rest site. Yesugei’s clan rests in a spot where another clan has already settled. As per the usual custom, t he Khan of the rival clan sends a bowl of milk to Yesugei to drink and he returns the gesture of friendship. Unfortunately, the milk is poisoned and he dies shortly afterward. This is a breaking of the traditional code of conduct of the Mongols and it is significant in setting the tone for a future complete breakdown of tradition. When the Khan dies, it falls to Temudgin, his young son and the future Genghis Khan, to take over the clan. An older member of the clan does not respect this passing of leadership from father to son.

Choose a AHp Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Choose a AHp - Research Paper Example 1). The professionals’ roles also include evaluating the nature of patients’ needs at an accident scene or emergency room and making decisions on the appropriate action for saving the patients’ lives. Such decisions may be treating the patients and connecting life support machines to sustain the patients’ lives before access special treatments. Further to their independent care services, paramedics work closely with other health care professionals such as nurses, patients’ relatives, and safety offices such as the police and fire service officers (NHS Careers, n.d.). One of the identifiable characteristics of paramedics is their consistency as the first care personnel to arrive at an accident site. They are also conspicuous in emergency care rooms. In accident scenes, paramedics work in pairs and with an ambulance but are sometimes assisted by a care assistant or technician. There are however cases where paramedics work alone and may use a â€Å"mo torbike, emergency response car or even a bicycle† (NHS Careers, n.d., p. 1). A paramedic can also serve as an air ambulance crew but this requires more training (NHS Careers, n.d.). ... Lack of their skills would worsen the already realized conditions among patients. The accident involved a collapsed building that trapped victims under the ramble. While people were still stranded on how to overcome the resultant dust and rescue the victims, a team of paramedics arrived with their protective masks and was able to rescue most of the victims. The team was also able to offer first aid care and put victims who were already unconscious on oxygen support as they were rushed to the nearest hospital. Even though some of the victims succumbed to the accident, it was clear that the number of fatalities would have been more had it not been for the role of the paramedics. I also chose the profession because of its diversified scope that extends to elements of the mainstream healthcare professions. Paramedics can offer primary care and their quick response guarantees emergency care and these makes it fundamental to people’s lives and the society’s quality of life. P aramedics are certified after completing a university course in paramedic science, entry into which is subject to a threshold pass in final secondary education. The minimum qualifications from secondary school further include pass in English and Mathematics but the exact marks for the qualifications may vary from one institution to another. A valid driving license is another entry requirement into the profession and corresponds to the paramedics operations with ambulances. Further professional training is also necessary into the profession’s practice. Paramedic profession, like many others, operates under professional bodies. In the United States, the profession lacks a national professional body but there exist regional