Page 107 - alligood 8th edition_Neat

88 UNIT II Nursing Philosophies

Further Development Generality
Watson’s recent writings update her theory (Watson, Watson’s theory is best understood as a moral and
2012), review caring measurement (Nelson & Watson, philosophical basis for nursing. The scope of the
2011), and guide the creation of a caring science framework encompasses broad aspects of health-
curriculum (Hills & Watson, 2011). illness phenomena. In addition, the theory addresses
aspects of health promotion, preventing illness and
Critique experiencing peaceful death, thereby increasing its
generality. The carative factors provide guidelines
Clarity for nurse-patient interactions, an important aspect
Watson uses nontechnical, sophisticated, fluid, and of patient care.
evolutionary language to artfully describe her con- The theory does not furnish explicit direction
cepts, such as caring-love, carative factors, and cari- about what to do to achieve authentic caring-healing
tas. Paradoxically, abstract and simple concepts relationships. Nurses who want concrete guidelines
such as caring-love are difficult to practice, yet prac- may not feel secure when trying to use this theory
ticing and experiencing these concepts leads to alone. Some have suggested that it takes too much
greater understanding. At times, lengthy phrases time to incorporate the caritas into practice, and
and sentences are best understood if read more than some note that Watson’s personal growth emphasis
once. Watson’s inclusion of metaphors, personal is a quality “that while appealing to some may not
reflections, artwork, and poetry make her concepts appeal to others” (Drummond, 2005, p. 218).
more tangible and more aesthetically appealing. She
has continued to refine her theory and has revised Empirical Precision
the original carative factors as caritas processes. Watson describes her theory as descriptive; she
Critics of Watson’s work have concentrated on her acknowledges the evolving nature of the theory
use of undefined or changing/shifting definitions and welcomes input from others (Watson, 2012).
and terms and her focus on the psychosocial rather Although the theory does not lend itself easily to
than the pathophysiological aspects of nursing. research conducted through traditional scientific
Watson (1985) has addressed the critiques of her methods, recent qualitative nursing approaches are
work in the preface of Nursing: The Philosophy and appropriate. Recent work on measurement reviews
Science of Caring (1979, 1988); in the preface of a broad array of international studies and provides
Nursing: Human Science and Human Care—A Theory research guidelines, design recommendations, and
of Nursing (1985),and in Caring Science as Sacred instruments for caring research (Nelson & Watson,
Science (Watson, 2005). Table 7-1 outlines the evolu- 2011).
tion of Watson’s thinking.
Derivable Consequences
Simplicity Watson’s theory continues to provide a useful and
Watson draws on a number of disciplines to formu- important metaphysical orientation for the delivery
late her theory. The theory is more about being than of nursing care (Watson, 2007). Watson’s theoretical
about doing, and the nurse must internalize it thor- concepts, such as use of self, patient-identified
oughly if it is to be actualized in practice. To under- needs, the caring process, and the spiritual sense of
stand the theory as it is presented, the reader does being human, may help nurses and their patients
best by being familiar with the broad subject matter. to find meaning and harmony during a period of
This theory is viewed as complex when the existential- increasing complexity. Watson’s rich and varied
phenomenological nature of her work is considered, knowledge of philosophy, the arts, the human sci-
particularly for nurses who have a limited liberal arts ences, and traditional science and traditions, joined
background. Although some consider her theory with her prolific ability to communicate, has enabled
complex, many find it easy to understand and to apply professionals in many disciplines to share and recognize
in practice. her work.