Preparing the Assignment

Identify your specialty area of NP practice. Select a nursing theory, borrowed theory, or
interdisciplinary theory provided in the lesson plan or one of your own findings. Address the
following:

 Origin
 Meaning and scope
 Logical adequacy
 Usefulness and simplicity
 Generalizability
 Testability
Finally, provide an example how the theory could be used to improve or evaluate the quality of
practice in your specific setting. What rationale can you provide that validates the theory as
applicable to the role of the nurse practitioner.

Dr. Williams and class,

As a student, I’m looking forward to graduating with a specialty in family practice. Using Jean
Watson’s theory in my practice will create a tangible bond and trust between me and my
patients. This is an important element when navigating the goal-oriented outcomes for my
patients. Because of the diversity in all nursing care situations, McEwen & Ellis describe
Benner’s Model of Skill Acquisition in Nursing as a middle range theory due to skill acquisition,
experience, competence, clinical knowledge, and practical knowledge (Chamberlain University,
2020). The origin of Watson’s theory of caring is described in a book she wrote in 1979,
Nursing: Human Science and Caring (Kornusky & Karakashian, 2018). The meaning and scope
of Watson’s nursing theory of caring defines nursing as a principle that connects life in the
metaphysical form and emphasizes transpersonal and spiritual care between nurse and patient
producing healing through caring (Kornusky & Karakashian, 2018).

Logical adequacy of Watson’s theory implemented into many studies done, predicted that
patients would have better outcomes and greater healthcare satisfaction. A review of these
studies revealed that “…caring interventions are effective in promoting nurse caring behaviors
towards patients and colleagues” (Wei et al., 2019). The adequacy of this theory makes sense for
more positive outcomes due to the higher level of care and attention towards creating a warm
connection with patients. The usefulness and simplicity of this theory when implemented helps
produce planned strategies intended to improve nurses’ and students’ patient skills by
understanding ways to help patients deal with anxiety, pain, depression, or hopelessness (Wei et
al., 2019). Using simple techniques towards connecting with patients to ease their suffering
makes a great and positive difference in creating more positive patient situations.

When using Watson’s theory in clinical practice, the generalized impact and outcomes are
significantly improved and is evident in promoting a harmonious healing environment that
preserves human dignity (Kornusky & Karakashian, 2018). Some examples of these outcomes
were tested on: using alternatives to restraints, dimming lights and quieting room, nurse hygiene,
nurse centering and meditation before interacting with patients, communicating in a personable
way towards patients, and appropriate physical touch (Kornusky & Karakashian, 2018). After
this study, researcher found a positive difference in 7 out of 10 patients after applying Watson’s
theory to their nursing care (Kornusky & Karakashian, 2018). Watson’s theory of nursing care
would be greatly accepted in my future family practice. By implementing a more personal touch
of being genuine, caring, appropriate, softer toned interiors, calm music, and well-trained staff in
this theory, could really promote a greater level of person-centered care would not only benefit
the patients but also the staff. I believe using this theory will create quality relationships built on
trust and hope, and promote a higher motivation in patients, to feel loved and want to improve
their lives through healthy living.

References

Chamberlain University College of Nursing. (2020). NR501 Week 2: Nursing Theories. [Online
lesson]. https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/75949/pages/week-4-nursing-theories?
module_item_id=10609378.

Kornusky, J., & Karakashian, A. L. (2018). Watson’s Theory of Caring: Integration into
Practice. https://eds-a-ebscohost-
com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=f0094f2a-6c16-
4380-a61f-6307210a798a%40sessionmgr4007.

Wei, H., Fazzone, P. A., Sitzman, K., & Hardman, S. R. (2019). The Current Intervention
Studies Based on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring: A Systematic Review. https://eds-b-
ebscohost-com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
vid=2&sid=5d39ceba-49e1-4994-b727-041c334a77b5%40pdc-v-sessmgr02.