FOUNDATIONS IN NURSING

Learning Insights and Synthesis

Kareen Ann B Closa, RN

1) Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring

Learning Insights – Nursing is defined by caring. It helps us embrace the positive energy
that flows from an integrated mind, body and spirit and is mutually rewarding to both
the patient and the nurse. By actively engaging in caring through authentic presence
and intentionality, the nurse is able to optimize her patient’s ability to heal from within.
The benefits of caring is immeasurable and promote self-actualization on both a
personal and professional level. Caring is a mutually beneficial experience for both the
patient and the nurse, as well as between all health team members.
Synthesis – According to Watson (1997), the care of the Theory of Caring is that
“humans cannot be treated as objects and that humans cannot be separated from self,
other, nature, and the larger workforce”. Her theory encompasses the whole world of
nursing; with the emphasis placed on the interpersonal process between the care giver
and care recipient. The theory is focused on “the centrality of human caring and on the
caring-to-caring transpersonal relationship and its healing potential for both the one
who is caring and the one who is being cared for” (Watson, 1996).

2) Dorothea Orem’s Theory of Self-Care

Learning Insights – The purpose of this theory is to allow individuals and their families
to maintain control of their healthcare and is ongoing throughout the continuum of life,
forever evolving. Even Dorothea Orem Model is a complex process and reuire more time
than others model it can be used when a patient reuire hospitalization for long period of
time.
Using Orem’s Self Care Theory a patient adjust to the changes in his health status
passing through all stages, regaining his previous activity level.
Synthesis – When a patient needs to decrease the potential problem that prevents him
from reaching his optimal health, nurses can use Orem’s Self-Care Model as a tool to
identify when and how much they can influence the patient care. The theory is the key
of nursing care if it is used optimal and in a period of time when patient’s development
can be discover and manipulated. Using this theory a nurse can discover the patient’s
developmental level and can predict the path of care that guides both the client and
family to an increase health care self level. The self-care model scales down the actual
nursing care reuirements for the patient, and differs from other health-care models by
creating autonomy for nursing as a profession through a continuous use of the evidence
based practice in decision making.