By emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice and combining this practice with empathy and compassion, Caring Science in nursing is a model that is becoming more common and relevant in today’s healthcare landscape. Developed intentionally to contrast the clinical and task-oriented approaches of the past several decades, this concept focuses more on connecting with patients and creating treatment plans that consider overall well-being.
Caring Science is a philosophical nursing theory that was developed by Dr. Jean Watson, who earned a reputation as being one of the leading nurse theorists and professors of the modern era. It is rooted in the traditional discipline of nursing, yet heavily influenced by other fields to prioritize holistic health and general well-being.
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, Caring Science in nursing is becoming more important with each passing day. Nurses are not only charged with providing clinical care for their patients, but they also serve as the first line of support for many patients. Caring Science in nursing allows nurses to better advocate for their patients and to ensure that all the needs of their patients are met as they receive the medical treatment that they need.
What Is Caring Science? Beyond the Clinical Checklist
Busy nurses charged with a high volume of patients can easily get lost in the day-to-day clinical tasks that are required of them. Caring Science, within the context of nursing, requires nurses to prioritize the philosophical and theoretical foundations of their chosen profession. Through Caring Science, nurses can recognize the patient as a whole person, encompassing mind, body and spirit, and not just a set of symptoms or a diagnosis.
Origins and Philosophy of Caring Science
The concept of Caring Science in nursing was first published in 1979, but Dr. Watson considers the theory to be an evolving philosophical approach that can be adapted to meet the changing needs of the current healthcare landscape. The core principles of Caring Science in nursing include human dignity, authentic presence and creating a healing environment.
Caring Science vs. Traditional Medical Model
The Caring Science approach is known as a more philosophical and holistic approach to nursing, and its principles exist in stark contrast to the traditional medical model, which focuses primarily on clinical care and disease treatment. By integrating the emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of healing, Caring Science in nursing fosters a deeper connection between nurses and patients.
The 10 Caritas Processes: A Practical Framework for Caring
Dr. Watson’s Human Caring Science: A Theory of Nursing may be a philosophical theory that is constantly evolving. However, the 10 Caritas Processes is a comprehensive framework that provides nurses with an actionable guide for implementing Caring Science in nursing.
1. Embracing Altruistic Values and Practicing Loving-Kindness
Embrace is the first step of the 10 Caritas Processes. This step requires nurses to cultivate a sense of compassion, empathy and kindness toward themselves and their patients. Before nurses can effectively meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their patients, they must take care of themselves. Nurses can implement this process by prioritizing self-care, and always making a conscious effort to take breaks to meditate, recharge or indulge in an activity that they enjoy.
2. Being Authentically Present: Sustaining, and Honoring Faith
Inspire is the next step in the process, and this step is rooted in authenticity. Nurses must know how to be authentic in their approach to nursing, as this allows them to remain fully present during their time with their patients. One of the best ways to be authentically present is to practice active listening and to prioritize non-judgmental communication.
3. Cultivation of Sensitivity to One’s Own and to Others’ Feelings
Moving forward, nurses must develop trust between themselves and their patients. By being emotionally and culturally aware, nurses can be more in-tune with the feelings and experiences of their patients, which can help them develop a deeper sense of trust with all the patients they are serving. Reflective practice is one of the best ways to improve empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence in nursing, and it is recommended for any nurse trying to root their practice in Caring Science theory.
4. Developing an Authentic Caring Relationship
Once trust has been established, nurses can begin to nurture their relationships with their patients and develop a more therapeutic approach to nursing. Open communication, honesty and genuine care for the patient’s well-being can allow you to nurture that relationship and provide your patients with more comprehensive care. By involving patients in their own healthcare decisions and always maintaining confidentiality, nurses can create an authentic, caring relationship that will improve the patient’s overall outcomes.
5. Responsive to the Expression of Positive and Negative Feelings
Forgiveness may seem like an unexpected step in this process, but it’s critical to developing healthy, lasting relationships with patients and caregivers. Nurses should actively work to create a safe environment for patients, one in which they feel comfortable expressing both positive and negative feelings. By validating the feelings of their patients and offering emotional support, nurses can deepen the connection that they have with their patients and better meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
6. Creative Use of Self
Nurses can deepen the theory of Caring Science in nursing by knowing that they can rely on their own creativity and intuition through evidence-based practice. The unique perspective of any nurse is valuable, as it can help them improve their skills within the care process. Nurses have the freedom to use their own various approaches to promote healing and well-being, such as incorporating art, music, humor or other forms of creative expression into their patient care.
7. Engaging in Genuine Teaching-Learning Experience
Balance and learning play an integral role in the theory of Caring Science in nursing. Through this process, nurses are encouraged to empower patients to take an active role in their own health. By providing patients with personalized advice in clear and understandable language, nurses can ensure that their patients have the information they need to achieve lasting positive outcomes.
8. Creating a Healing Environment at All Levels
Regardless of whether a nurse works in a hospital setting or in an office, they have the power to create a physical and emotional environment that supports total healing and overall wellness. For example, nurses can help patients feel calmer and more comfortable by dimming the lights or playing calming music. They can help their patients feel more dignified and confident by prioritizing their privacy. This healing environment has a critical impact on the patient experience and even patient outcomes, making it one of the most important facets of the caritas process.
9. Administering Human Care Essentials
At their core, nurses are ministers who must ensure that their patients’ basic needs are met. As part of the caring process, nurses should provide their patients with food, water, comfort and hygiene. It may seem incredibly simple, but ministering to the basic needs of patients can contribute to the patient’s overall well-being and sense of dignity.
10. Recognizing Spiritual Beliefs
Finally, nurses must keep an open mind, and recognize the impact that the patient’s spiritual beliefs may have on their overall experience in the clinical setting. Even if nurses do not share the beliefs of their patients, they should actively work to support the spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions of their patients and their family members. Nurses who prioritize cultural competence and who practice active listening on a regular basis will be able to easily acknowledge and accommodate the spiritual beliefs of their patients.
Why Caring Science Matters: The Impact on Patients and Nurses
Caring Science is a theory that was developed primarily with patients in mind, but it has been proven to have a profound impact on the nurses who utilize it as part of their evidence-based practice.
Benefits for Patients
Redlands Community Hospital describes Caring Science as a contagious approach to nursing, one that benefits patients in many ways, such as:
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings.
- Improved patient outcomes.
- Improved awareness and understanding among patients.
- Reduced anxiety during treatment.
- Improved overall healing.
- Greater sense of well-being.
Benefits for Nurses
By embracing Caring Science, nurses will often find that their days are more impactful and rewarding. Nurses who utilize this philosophical approach on a daily basis often enjoy the following benefits:
- Increased job satisfaction.
- Reduced burnout for nurses.
- Improved ability to care for oneself.
- Deeper sense of professional purpose and fulfillment.
Integrating Caring Science Into Your Nursing Practice
Whether you are beginning your nursing career or hoping to grow into a BSN position, you will find that it’s never too late to integrate Caring Science into your nursing practice. By learning more about Human Caring Science: A Theory of Nursing and taking actionable steps to adopt this philosophy, both you and your patients will quickly begin realizing the benefits of this thoughtful, holistic approach.
Cultivating Presence and Mindfulness
Before you can begin revitalizing your patient care techniques and improving your active listening approaches, you will want to focus on self-awareness and self-care. Mindfulness practices in nursing can help you prioritize your own mental health and well-being while remaining fully present with your patients. You can practice mindfulness by prioritizing compassionate care and remaining as non-judgmental as possible when actively listening to the needs and experiences of your patients.
Developing Authentic Relationships
Building trusting and authentic relationships with your patients as well as their caregivers is a hallmark of Caring Science in nursing. An article published in the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health notes that healthcare providers can establish trust and rapport in the healthcare setting by:
- Asking patients about their stories and experiences.
- Actively listening to the needs and feelings of patients.
- Practicing empathy and compassion at every step of the care plan.
- Prioritizing patient agency and involving them in the decision-making process.
Creating a Healing Environment
Rely on your own creativity and intuition to create a nurturing and healing environment for your patients. You can create a healing environment by:
- Adding soothing decor to office rooms and clinical spaces.
- Playing calming music.
- Adding privacy features to preserve dignity and improve comfort.
- Incorporating lamps and other soft light features to create a more relaxed environment.
Learn About the Role of Caring Science in Nursing at Nevada State University
With a focus on caring competence and a commitment to an evidence-based education, the RN to BSN online program at Nevada State University is designed with forward-thinking nurses in mind. Advance your career in nursing with this streamlined program, which can help you build on your nursing foundation as you improve your skills.
Request more information about our online degree programs today.