Page 167 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

F r o m ca ra t i v e F a c t o r 8 t o C a r i t a s P r o C e s s 8
and both the nonphysical and physical surroundings. The notion
of “environmental field” incorporates the more subtle energetic
nature of environment, as it must—for example, the presence,
consciousness, and intentionality of caring-healing practitioners.
• This third level of (Caritas) consciousness-environment invites
us to reconsider our understanding of the Practitioner-Self, no
longer separate from the patient’s environment but integral to
the patient’s field. Thus, we have an obligation to pay attention
to the presence, consciousness, and intentionality of the nurse-
self as an energetic, vibrational field, integral to and one with the
patient’s field, thus affecting the whole.
As we move to these evolved perspectives on environment, envi-
ronmental field, and so on, new questions can be asked (Quinn 1992;
Watson 2005:94–95):
• If I Am the Environment, how can I Be a more caring-healing
environment?
• How can I become a safe, healing space for this person? To draw
out healing, wholeness?
• How can my heart-centered (Caritas) presence and loving-caring
consciousness help align in this moment with the spirit of this
person?
• How can I use my consciousness, my intentionality, my Being,
my presence, my voice, touch, face, heart, hands, and so on, for
healing?

The nurse becomes more attuned to the fact that his or her mood,
demeanor, and presence affect the human-environmental field, for
better or for worse. The caring relationship and environment are gen-
erated by the nurse’s heartfelt, loving presence and the consciousness
he or she holds, helping to shape the patient’s health and healing expe-
rience as well as the nurse’s own experiences.

What We hold in our heart Matters
in Creating a Caritas environment
This heartfelt Caritas thinking is based on the given that we are inter-
connected with all of life through the universal field of infinite Love

139