Theory Of Human Caring Research Articles

Chief Nursing Officer Perspectives on Nursing Theory-Guided Practice.

The purpose of this study was to identify what guides nursing practice. Change occurred when the Magnet Recognition Program® no longer required a nursing theory. This was a mixed-methods study to identify the process used to implement nursing theory-guided practice and the relationship to professional practice recognition. Deidentified quantitative data were collected from 36 chief nursing officers (CNOs). Seventeen CNOs participated in the qualitative interview. Thirteen CNOs were from a Magnet®-designated facility. Ten CNOs were on the Magnet journey, and 2 had no intent to seek Magnet recognition. Two CNOs were from a Pathway to Excellence®-designated facility. One CNO was on the Pathway to Excellence journey. The majority of respondents who were Magnet® recognized who participated in the survey used Watson's Theory of Human Caring. Themes were identified that share the benefits and strategies to integrate nursing-guided theory into nursing processes, structures, and outcomes. Findings will benefit CNOs as they make decisions related to pursuing Magnet status recognition.

Human Trafficking: Empowering Healthcare Providers and Community Partners as Advocates for Victims.

Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is a public health crisis and a growing worldwide crime exploiting approximately 40.3 million victims. A decade ago approximately 79% of human trafficking crimes were related to sexual exploitation and 18% were related to forced labor, but more recent reports show approximately 50% and 38%, respectively. Although sexual exploitation continues to make up the majority of human trafficking crimes, forced labor continues to grow at an alarming rate. The purpose of this paper is 2-fold. First, to empower healthcare providers and community volunteers serving potential victims of human trafficking in traditional and nontraditional settings with human trafficking identification training. This education should include the use of a validated human trafficking screening tool and the timely provision of resources. Second, to guide professional nurses in the holistic approach to caring for potential victims of human trafficking. The core values of holistic nursing practice and Watson's Theory of Human Caring are the pillars guiding mindful and authentic nursing care. Merging evidence-based practice with holistic care will boost victim identification and rescue.

The Effect of Education Based on Human Care Theory on Caring Behaviors and Job Involvement of Nurses in Intensive Care Units.

Background:Caring is the essence of nursing, and nurses who are dissatisfied with their job are not able to perform optimal patient care. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the effect of education based on human care theory on nurses' caring behaviors and job involvement.Materials and Methods:In this clinical trial, a total of 110 intensive care unit nurses from Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. The intervention group received a 6-h workshop based on Watson's human care theory using a collaborative and role-playing approach and 1-month follow-up period through presenting weekly preplanned care and caregiving scenarios. The control group received routine hospital trainings. The data collection tools used were included in a demographic information form, and the Larson Caring Assessment Questionnaire, and Kanungo Job Involvement Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, and independent and paired t-test in SPSS software.Results:Majority of the participants were married women and had Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. The participants' age ranged from 21 to 52 years. After the education, caring behaviors and job involvement scores significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).Conclusions:The findings suggest that a care workshop can be effective in improving care behaviors and job involvement. Therefore, we recommend more extensive research to determine the effectiveness of long-term intervention on nursing care behaviors.

Examining the expectations of healing care environment of hospitalized children with cancer based on Watson's theory of human caring.

To describe the expectations of children with cancer about the healing care environment during hospitalization based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring. A descriptive qualitative research design was used in this study. Data were collected between December 2019 and February 2020 from purposively selected children with cancer in a paediatric haematology and oncology clinic at a university hospital in Turkey. Twelve participants (7 females and 5males) aged 10-17 were recruited to carry out individual semi-structured interviews. All interviews were recorded via a digital audio recorder and transcribed verbatim. The content analysis method was used to analyse the data. As a result of the analysis, three main themes with related sub-themes were identified that revealed the expectations of children with cancer: 'healing care behaviors', 'creating the physical environment of the hospital' and 'support from the social environment'. Watson's Theory of Human Caring may be a useful and applicable guide for drawing a conceptual framework of the expectations of children with cancer regarding a healing care environment. The study revealed these children's need for humanistic, compassionate, honest and problem-focused care. In addition, participants wished for improvements in the physical environment. They also stated that they feel lonely and need social support from their family, peers and society. This study presents a comprehensive picture of the expectations regarding a healing care environment (caring behaviours and physical and social aspects) of hospitalized children with cancer undergoing treatment. The qualitative findings generated by our study have the potential to facilitate these children's healthy adjustment to the hospital environment and procedures during hospitalization. Knowledge acquired through this study may be used to shape nursing care, enhance the healing care environment, and ensure that hospital design and setting are acceptable to and appropriate for paediatric patients.

The effects of reflexology on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancers with reference to Watson's theory of human caring

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the effects of reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in gynecological cancer patients. Material and methodsThe study was a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest and a control group. The clinical trial was conducted at a university hospital in the Aegean region between October 2016 and June 2018. It was completed with 62 women, of whom 31 were in the intervention group and 31 were in the control group. Data were collected by using a personal information form, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30-version 3.0. ResultsAnxiety and depression levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Besides, the quality of life was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Reflexology significantly reduced symptoms due to chemotherapy, such as fatigue, pain, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Although there was a decrease in symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation immediately after reflexology, an increase in symptoms was observed in the intervention group two weeks later. ConclusionThese results showed that reflexology based on Watson's theory of human caring is effective in reduction of anxiety and depression and improves the quality of life in gynecological cancer patients during chemotherapy. It can be suggested that offering reflexology at certain intervals during chemotherapy will increase the duration of its effect.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nurses: Where is the Financial Safety Net?

The COVID-19 pandemic placed many nurses in financial distress. Nurses House, Inc. provided nurses with financial assistance through an emergency grant supported by the American Nurses Foundation. In a three-month period between April 2020 till July 2020, Nurses House, Inc. distributed $2,734,500 to a total of 2,484 qualified grantees from across the United States. This article offers a brief review of literature to provide context about the guiding framework of the grant, Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, as an essential tenet to nursing and to the mission of Nurses House, Inc, and the financial impact of the pandemic. We discuss the methods, data analysis, and results of our study that analyzed demographic information from the applications of grant recipients. Regression analysis showed that regardless of income levels, nurses experienced financial distress. The discussion considers our findings in relation to such areas as age and full-time or part-time work status of grantees; reasons to apply, such as testing positive for COVID=19 (78%), work mandated quarantine (16%) and caring for a family member (6%); and study limitations. The conclusion offers implications for practice based on our analysis, which demonstrated that financial safety nets are both essential and helpful for nurses in times of crisis.

Use of Watson's theory of human caring to open the door to improve residents well-being

Use of Watson's theory of human caring to open the door to improve residents well-being

PLANNING NURSING CARE OF AN INDIVIDUAL DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 ACCORDING TO WATSON’S THEORY OF HUMAN CARING: A CASE REPORT

COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis defining our age. As a result of the uncontrollable stress in individuals diagnosed withCOVID-19, individuals show avoidance behaviours and as a resultpatient restrict their behaviours to a great extent. Intenseanxiety worry and uncertainty individuals experience cause them to give different reactions and lead to deterioration in their quality of life. It is essential for nurses working in this challenging process to provide remedial care to individuals by supporting faith, trust and hope. In this case report, nursing care was planned and applied to a 55-year-old COVID-19 diagnosed female patient who was married with three children according to Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. While providing care to the patient, the concepts of faith, hope and trust were supported by taking into consideration the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the patient. The patient was encouraged to express her negative and positive feelings for the disease and her fears and worries were reduced. It was found that nursing care interventions created with Watson’s Theory of Human Caring reduced the patient’s fears, made communication stronger and supported faith and hope

INVESTIGATION OF ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS OF NURSES TOWARDS CARING NURSE-PATIENT INTERACTION IN TURKEY

The interaction with patient is very important in nursing. In Watson's theory of human care, holistic approach and care-oriented interaction come to the fore. This study was implemented in order to examine nurses' attitudes and behaviors towards caring nurse-patient interaction. 183 out of 300 nurses working in inpatient units of a general hospital where the study was conducted participated in the study voluntarily. Data collection with 12-question questionnaire and "Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale"(CNPI-S) developed by Cossette et al. were used. As a result; most of the nurses are women, in the middle age group and 48.6% of them are educated at least at undergraduate level. According to the CNPI-S total scores, the importance dimension is X=292.83±34.04, the efficiency dimension is X=282.93±51.19 and the practicality dimension is X=270.11±56.75 points. When the mean scores of the subscales were examined, it was found that the highest scores belong to the subscales of "necessities”, “helping relationship” and “environment”, and the lowest scores belong to the subscales of "teaching”, “sensitivity” and "problem solving”. Significant differences were found in CNPI-S subscale scores regarding age, education level and nurses' competence in communication (p

COVID-19: An Organizational-theory-guided Holistic Self-caring and Resilience Project.

Purpose: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global human caring crisis, this article describes an innovative, theory-guided, holistic practice project at a major academic medical center in Northern California. The purpose of this theory-guided COVID-19 project was to address the self-care needs of caregivers so they could better care for patients/families who are confronting daily pandemic demands. Study design: The organization's professional practices are guided by Watson's theory of human caring and Caritas Processes. This setting has 16 Caritas Coaches® who have acquired expertise in human caring from an accredited program of the Watson Caring Science Institute (www.watsoncaringscience.org). Methods: Caritas Coaches® were mobilized to implement holistic caring-healing modalities such as aromatherapy and mindfulness meditation throughout the organization. Findings: By addressing the self-care needs of caregivers, the organizational culture shifted from fear, fatigue, stress, and burnout, to more intentional conscious, mindful, caring presence, gratitude, and purpose. Conclusion: This study has implications for other institutions regarding theory-guided practice and system responses to self-care needs of staff. This study provides an overview of the project from its origin to implementation and outcomes.

Effects of a nursing care program based on the theory of human caring on women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer: a pilot study from Turkey

Purpose/Objectives This pilot study aimed to determine the effects of a nursing care program based on the Theory of Human Caring (THC) on chemotherapy symptoms, hope, and meaning in life in women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. Design/Methods This pilot study was conducted in a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial on 52 women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in Turkey. In the present study, the experimental group was given a nursing care program based on the THC alongside routine nursing care for five sessions, while the control group received solely routine nursing care. Data were collected using the Chemotherapy Symptom Assessment Scale, the Herth Hope Scale, and the Life Attitude Profile. Findings There was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency, severity, and degree of discomfort of some chemotherapy symptoms in the experimental group. In addition, the mean scores of hope and meaning in life were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusions/Implications This study revealed that a nursing care program based on the Theory of Human Caring might be of benefit for decreasing the frequency, intensity, and discomfort level of some chemotherapy symptoms, and also for improving the level of hope and meaning in life in women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer.

The knowledge of the nursing team about autistic disorders in children in the light of the human caring theory

Introduction: Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Autistic Disorders (AD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits, social interaction, and nonverbal behavior in multiple contexts. Objective: To analyze the knowledge of the nursing team about ASD and the approach to the subject during professional training based on the principles addressed in the Human Caring Theory. Methods: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach, adopting the Human Caring Theory by Jean Watson as a theoretical reference. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from the nursing team of a Primary Health Center in the ABC Region from São Paulo State, Brazil, in May 2019. Their knowledge about ASD in children was assessed by a 7-question guiding script. Data analysis was performed using Content Analysis Method. Results: Four main categories were elaborated: the care based on humanistic-altruistic values, the cultivation of sensitivity for self and the other, the valorization of the feelings expression and the interpersonal relationship, the promotion of intra and interpersonal teaching-learning process. Conclusion: The nursing team professionals are not prepared to work in the care of children with ASD. During their training, the subject's approach is poor, making professionals feel insecure and unable to provide care to this child and his family.

Bridging Healing and Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Study on Support Group Intervention Based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring.

The support group process effect on caregiver burden on family members of dementia patients based on Watson's theory of human caring was that a significant difference was found between caregivers and control groups. Qualitatively, the support group process could reduce caregiver burden and improve coping skills.

Lateral Violence of Nurses in the Hospital Environment: The Need for Caring

Abstract Nurses today are plagued with doing more with less and are forced to work in high-stress situations. These conditions lead to a stressful situation and contribute to lateral violence. While lateral violence has the potential to be present in any setting, it is more prevalent in healthcare. The adage of “nurses eat their young” is still in effect today. With a change in focus from a to-do list with a focus on genuine caring, not only the nurse but the patient as well will benefit. The purpose of this analytical review of research literature was to evaluate the prevalence of lateral violence experienced by nurses, determine ways to identify and eradicate it and educate the medical community on the incidence and eradication of lateral violence. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring was determined to be the most comprehensive approach for guiding this review. For nurses to provide optimal care to patients, nurses must be able to work in a positive team-like atmosphere. Future strategies for improving lateral violence in the hospital environment include more educational workshops and nursing residency programs. Scholars suggested educating nursing students early in their nursing curriculum on lateral/horizontal violence to reduce the effects of lateral/horizontal violence for the future.

Developing and psychometric properties of the caring behaviors assessment tool-patient version-short form.

To develop and examine the psychometric properties of the caring behaviors assessment tool-patient version-short form (CBAP-SF) based on Human Caring Theory to evaluate caring behaviors by patients. This methodological study was conducted with 400 patients. The data were analyzed with SPSS 23.0 and LISREL 8.80. It was found that the scale with 27 items had good fit indices. The Cronbach's α was 0.96 for the scale and 0.77-0.94 for the subdimensions. Also, the item-total score correlation of the scale was 0.531-0.847. The CBAP-SF was a valid and reliable tool to evaluate caring behaviors by patients.

A unitary caring science resilience-building model: Unifying the human caring theory and research-informed psychology and neuroscience evidence

Resilience is the psychological capability to recover from difficulties quickly. Healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable to job-related stress and burnout. Unitary Caring Science is the framework for Watson’s Human Caring Theory, providing a philosophy of practice in healthcare. With the high rates of clinician burnout and psychological issues, it will be significant to unify the human caring theory with research-informed psychological and neuroscience evidence to develop clinicians’ resilience-building strategies. The purpose of this article is to introduce a Unitary Caring Science Resilience Model and explain the science behind the core strategies based on Unitary Caring Science philosophy and the psychological and neuroscience research. This model includes six strategies: Embracing loving-kindness for self and others; Nurturing interpersonal and intersubjective connections/relations; Deepening a creative use of self and sense of belonging; Balancing self-learning, self-awareness, and an evolved self-consciousness; Valuing forgiveness and releasing negativity; Inspiring and maintaining faith-hope. The caring-theory guided resilience-building strategies are proven to alleviate the depletion of clinicians’ energy and emotions. Healthcare practices are challenging but rewarding. Clinicians can be emotionally, psychologically, and physically exhausted if they always consider themselves ‘giving’ and ‘doing’ institutional tasks without a sense of purpose or fulfillment. The practice can be rewarding if it becomes more aligned with clinicians’ value to serve humanity. Through the unitary caring science resilience strategies, clinicians can build resilience as an antidote to clinician burnout and depletion.

Development and psychometric properties of the Caring Behaviors Assessment Tool Nursing Version-Short Form.

To develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Caring Behaviors Assessment Tool Nursing Version-Short Form (CBAN-SF) based on the Theory of Human Caring to assess the nurses' perceptions about caring behaviors. This study is based on the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments checklist. The study was conducted at the medical-surgical services of Akdeniz University Hospital between October 2019 and January 2020. This study was conducted with 216 nurses working in the surgery and internal clinics. Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the CBAN-SF with 27 items. It was found that the Content Validity Index (CVI) for the items of the draft scale was between 0.972 and 1.00 and the instrument's CVI had an average score of 0.994. The CBAN-SF had good fit indexes (chi-square goodness of fit / degrees of freedom = 2.914, root mean square error of approximation = 0.075, comparative fit index = 0.984, non-normed fit index = 0.983, normed fit index = 0.972 and standardized root mean square residuals = 0.054) in structural validity. For internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha, Spearman-Brown and the Guttman split-half coefficients were all 0.974. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the seven subfactors of the scale ranged between 0.793 and 0.904 and had acceptable internal consistency. The item-total score correlation of the scale was 0.648-0.829, and the factor loadings were 0.455-0.769. The structural validity, internal consistency and content validity of the CBAN-SF supported to be a reliable and valid tool for assessment of caring behaviors by nurses.

Implementation of Watson's Theory in a Patient with Breast Cancer: A Case Study

Introduction: Patients who are suffering from breast cancer have numerous problems. Watson's Theory of Human Caring seems to be proper in caring for these patients. This theory stresses the humanistic aspects of nursing as they interfere with scientific knowledge and nursing practice. This study implemented Watson's theory in preparing a Persian woman with breast cancer to accept the treatment process. Methods: In this case study, the patient was selected from the patients referring to a hospital in a city in Iran. Open-ended interview and observation were used to collect the required data. The process of the study was done in five stages. Results: After implementation of Watson's theory in a five-step interview, the patient's disappointment and despair were reduced and the patient agreed to continue the treatment process. Conclusions: Watson's theory of caring is likely to bring love and hope back to patients with breast cancer in bad physical and mental conditions. By applying 10 caring factors of this theory, a humanitarian relationship is established with the patient; this relationship is based upon love and hope. The patient is able to express her feelings and continue the treatment process by trusting God, applying her spirituality, and gaining supports from family and friends.

A evolução da Teoria do Cuidado Humano para a Ciência do Cuidado Unitário

A Teoria do Cuidado Humano ou Ciência do Cuidado Unitário é usada mundialmente e apresenta-se em constante evolução. Ao longo dos anos, junto com a evolução da Teoria ocorreu a evolução dos paradigmas, passando de Fatores Caritativos para Elementos do Processo Clinical Caritas e recentemente, Elementos do Processo Clinical Caritas-Veritas. Objetivo: Apresentar a evolução da Teoria do Cuidado Humano para a Ciência do Cuidado Unitário e as ressonâncias sobre os Elementos do Processo Clinical Caritas-Veritas. Método: Reflexão teórica sobre os aspectos conceituais e os princípios da Teoria do Cuidado Humano e a evolução/mudança dos paradigmas para a Ciência do Cuidado Unitário. Resultados: Uma ênfase especial é dada sobre os Elementos do Processo Clinical Caritas na perspectiva Caritas-Veritas. Estes aspectos nucleares dos conceitos são desenvolvidos na fundamentação filosófica e ética do corpo da Ciência do Cuidado Unitário. Considerações finais: Acredita-se que este manuscrito poderá servir como um esquema disciplinar primário para a prática profissional de enfermeiros ao utilizar a Ciência do Cuidado Unitário.

Self-care as an ethical obligation for nurses.

As members of the largest and most trusted healthcare profession, nurses are role models and critical partners in the ongoing quest for the health of their patients. Findings from the American Nurses Association Health Risk Appraisal suggested that nurses give the best patient care when they are operating at the peak of their own wellness. They also revealed that 68% of the surveyed nurses place their patients' health, safety, and wellness before their own. Globally, several nursing codes of ethics include the requirement of self-care. Often, these codes embed the responsibility to protect and promote one's own health within the clearly described obligation to provide safe patient care. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses is unique in that it states explicitly that nurses must adopt self-care as a duty to self in addition to their duty to provide care to patients. One of the basic assumptions of Watson's Philosophy and Science of Caring is that caring science is the essence of nursing and the foundational disciplinary core of the profession. Watson's theory of human caring provides support for the engagement in self-care. Two important value assumptions of Watson's Caritas are that "we have to learn how to offer caring, love, forgiveness, compassion, and mercy to ourselves before we can offer authentic caring and love to others" and we also must "treat ourselves with loving-kindness and equanimity, gentleness, and dignity before we can accept, respect, and care for others within a professional caring-healing model." Embedded within several caritas processes is an outline for a holistic approach to caring for self and others that can guide nurses to improve their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.