1. Theory presentation
By Rachel Adejoh RN BSN Coppin State University Helen Fuld School of Nursing Theoretical Foundation for the Practice of Nursing Nur 620 Dr. Arlene Johnson January 21, 2013.

2. Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring
Margaret Jean Harman Watson, PHD, RN, AHN-BG, FAAN

3. Introduction
Jean Watson was born in southern West Virginia and grew up in 1940s/50s.
Education: BSN, University of Colorado, 1964, MS, University of Colorado, , PhD, University of Colorado, 1973.
Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Six Honorary Doctoral Degrees.
Dean of Nursing at the University Health Sciences Center and President of the National League for Nursing.
In 1988, her theory was published in “nursing: human science and human care”.

4. Explanation of Jean Watson’s theory
Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring provides meaningful and unparalleled quality nursing care to individual, family and community in a holistic manner regardless of their social status, race and religion.
The theory goes deeper into valuing an individual as a unique creature with a special need they cannot provide for themselves at that particular time.
Jean Watson theory of transpersonal caring goes further to identify nursing as a science of human caring with her distinctive ten carative factors.
These factor explains, and described various human spiritual, emotional, and physical need that the practice of love if put into action will foster exceptional care giving environment for speedy recovery.
The theory also encourage nurses to understand self first.

5. Has congruence with Florence Nightingale’s theory of environment.
Origin of the theory
Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring is also called Theory of Human Caring,
Or The Caring Model.
It was developed in 1979.
Has congruence with Florence Nightingale’s theory of environment.
It uses scientific approach to human caring.

6. The major concepts of Jean Watson’s theory includes:
Concepts of the theory
The major concepts of Jean Watson’s theory includes:
• Valuing humanity as a whole being which is learned through education to meet a need.
• Impartation of hope and faith to an individual in need through daily inspiration of health promotion practices.
• Formation of habit to be sensitive to yourself and others.
The formation of a humanistic-altruistic system of value which is practice of loving kindness, instillation of hope-to be authentic/genuine in giving care, cultivation of sensitivity to ones self/others. i.e cultivation of one’s spiritual practices and transpersonal self that goes beyond the ego of self.

7. Concepts of the theory continued
• Developing a helping and trusting relationship is a paramount icon in transpersonal caring.
• Welcoming or acceptance of positive and negative expression will foster good rapport and open communication.
• Decision making using systematic scientific methods is employed in Watson’s theory.
• The art and science of health teaching promotion to allow patient to be responsible for their own care is one of the tool to good health education.
Authentic sustainance of the caring relationship, promotion/acceptance of positive/negative expression, creative use of self to knowing is part of caring process. Teaching to stay within their frame of reference (no medical term in patient teaching.

8. Concepts of the theory continued
• Provision should be made to support, protect, and correct the mental, physical, sociocultural/economic and spiritual needs of the patient.
• Helping an individual or patient to achieve their goal/needs was also outlined in the theory of transpersonal caring.
The allowance for existential-phenominological forces to become spiritual. That is opening of and attending to spiritual mysterious of life/death/soul for patient/nurses.
Provision of supportive care, the assistance with self gratification. Opening and attending to spiritual-mysterious and existential dimension of one’s own life/death/soul care for self and the one being care for.

9. Diagram of the concept

10. Utilization of the theory in practice
The theory is used in an evidenced based nursing practice.
Watson’s theory provides nurses with a method to use that is critically appraised and scientifically proven evidence for delivering quality health care to a specific population.
Nursing care plan uses the model of Jean Watson’s theory.
We utilize the theory through a scientific systematic problem solving approach of problem statements, planning, intervention, rationale, and evaluation.

11. Utilization of the theory in research
In research, the theory is used in both qualitative and quantitative research studies to gain new insight to new innovation.
The theory-driven care in ensuring patient safety and optimizing outcomes modeled Watson’s theory from empiric research.
Understanding of the theoretical concepts leads to new concept ideas to conduct a research study.
JCO’S # 1 patient’s national safety goal.

12. Utilization of the theory in education
Jean Watson theory is used by nursing education to bring about:
Career advancement program: Nurses should engage in professional development activities like, attending workshops to equip them in critical thinking and advancement in nursing practice.
Incorporation of scientific theory with clinical practice: Integration of nurse’s life experience and past history adds to the body of knowledge to promote learning.
Tuition re-embursm.ent by the hospitals now uses Watson’s theory
Nursing journal presentation on my units.

13. Research article that uses Watson’s theory as a guide
The article is titled “Nursing Student’s perceptions of Instructor Caring:
An Instrument Based on Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring”
The research was used to investigate students’ perception of their instructors caring which was based on Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring. The study uses nursing student’s perception of instructor’s caring instrument for measurements. Instillation of confidence through caring was proven to be effective in student learning.
Followed by supportive learning climate, appreciation of life meaning, control versus flexibility, respectful sharing.

14. Research article that uses Watson’s theory as a guide continued
Genuine interest of the instructor to inspire and impact knowledge in them has a profound outcome as well.
Determining student strength and weakness by the instructor provides an individual caring in compliance to Watson’s theory.
Creating a conducive learning environment was very instrumental as outlined in the article using transpersonal caring approach by Jean Watson.

15. Practice article that uses Watson’s theory as a guide
• In practice, theory is used in an evidenced based nursing practice.
This article titled “Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia” is currently in practice on my unit as identified by Jean Watson Theory.
Elevation of the head of patient on tube feeding to prevent aspiration.
Provision of mouth care using scientific oral care kit containing chlorahexidine mouth wash to prevent aspiration and reduce bacteria growth
VAP PRECAUTION AS MY UNIT DASH BOARD INDICATOR.

16. Reference
Alligood, M.R. & Tomey, A.M. (2010). Nursing Theorists and Their Works
Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.
Dodek, P. et al (2004). Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
American College of Physicians 141: (4).
Wade, G. H & Kasper, S. (2006). Nursing Student’s perceptions of Instructor Caring:
An Instrument Based on Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring.
Journal of Nursing Education: 45 (5).