Jean Watson, Nursing Theorist

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Jean Watson came to our hospital to speak about her caring module because (ta dah), we are again going on the Magnet Journey, even though we failed (deservingly so) earlier this year. It was so boring that we wanted to scream. Most of the people were dozing off, I was sending text messages just to stay awake (grateful for the plan that includes 200 text messages per month for $5.00 today, for sure). While I can admit that some suggestions she gave are things that I already use in my personal life, such as crystals, healing/prayer wells, sacred space, etc...but this was not an earthshaking experience. In fact, they had to force us to attend. It was mandatory that we come early (I work the late clinic), paid overtime or compensary time to attend this, and the response was so lackluster that I had to laugh. She asked when she was finished if anyone had any questions-dead silence. Then, she asked if anyone had a caring moment to share-again, dead silence. You could have heard a single snow flake land in that auditorium. Then, she said "Anyone?" almost desperately, and someone decided to say something just so that we can get out of there. I took that opportunity to sneak out the back door.

What disturbs me is that it seems that these theories are not used in real life. We have no compassion for each other, no consideration from our supervisors or nursing managers. This woman didn't give me incentive, because I know what it will be like when she placed her feet out of the door. No one wants Magnet, because this facility doesn't deserve it. The way nursing seems to be sinking, even if Florence Nightingale herself walked through the door, she could not bring a positive reception. Just venting...

Thanks for posting the link. I just read the first page and it brought about food for thought. Many of the feelings I had already. I'll read the rest when I get home.

Our 2nd class was on theorists - I linked the students to the thread Karen posted too. Then we posted threads asking questions of members here about different theorists or fav theorists and if they were used in their practice.

Got some great conversations going.

steph

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
I think my issue is that the same administration that paid the big bucks to get her to speak will not uphold any situation to allow any of her theories to actually take place. I feel that I essentially wasted two hours of my time listening to pipe dreams.:angryfire

I'm with you 100% on that. I'm not a huge fan of Watson's theory, but I appreciate the impact it has had on nursing scholarship -- and the many good and important ideas it includes.

However, I am equally frustrated by people (and administrations) that claim to use caring theory -- who are in reality behaving in very un-caring ways to their staffs. If you value "caring," you should be extending that caring to your staff as well as to your patients.

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No one wants Magnet, because this facility doesn't deserve it. The way nursing seems to be sinking, even if Florence Nightingale herself walked through the door, she could not bring a positive reception.

I have had both of these thoughts recently. I agree totally!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm sorry to see that previous posters are not familiar with Watson's Caritas nursing model... it's not hard to understand or apply. Most of us already do it - just not consciously. One of her primary tenets is that every encounter with a patient is an opportunity to make a spiritual connection. She advocates 'small' rituals to apply her theory - like simply thinking about the patient when you are washing your hands before touching her.... not rocket science, but it makes the job a lot more fulfilling for some of us.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Jean on a couple of occasions. She is really kind of ditzy and sometimes I wondered if their was air on her planet - but she exudes kindness and caring. I'd love for her to be my nurse, but I'm sure she isn't exactly clinically competent anymore.

But - as for the primary issue of spending megabucks on 'frills' for magnet while ignoring the basics.... I am 100% with all of you. I have had the pleasure of helping facilities achieve Magnet status & working with 'real' Magnet hosptals. They were great working environments. They didn't get that way by bringing in fancy speakers.. they did it by hiring caring and competent leaders, providing adequate resources and working hard for years.

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Specializes in med-surg 5 years geriatrics 12 years.

I graduated from a BSN program in '92 and Jean Watson and her carative factors were the model for the school back then. I do agree with the basic theory...we do in fact treat the whole person not just the disease. We HAD to attend a talk she gave back then and she lost me at the start. She just seemed so spacy that she lost my attention and/or interest.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Jean Watson continued her 'tour' today, visiting the units and sharing her views. I feel that her 'theory' is great for personal growth, to do at home, to revitalize ourselves, but not sure if this can be instituted at most of the facilities I know, because as stated, we have to have supportive leaders that will actually implement it. This is just for show, to me, to say that we had our blessings from this woman, but as long as the favortitism, inconsistencies and lateral violence is occuring in the work place, it would be more difficult. What I do support, however, is that a change does have to come within, and really, if we are content and have the ability to ward off negativity, we have the power to create our own personal station, not necessarily someone else's.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I'm sorry to see that previous posters are not familiar with Watson's Caritas nursing model... it's not hard to understand or apply. Most of us already do it - just not consciously. One of her primary tenets is that every encounter with a patient is an opportunity to make a spiritual connection. She advocates 'small' rituals to apply her theory - like simply thinking about the patient when you are washing your hands before touching her.... not rocket science, but it makes the job a lot more fulfilling for some of us.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Jean on a couple of occasions. She is really kind of ditzy and sometimes I wondered if their was air on her planet - but she exudes kindness and caring. I'd love for her to be my nurse, but I'm sure she isn't exactly clinically competent anymore.

But - as for the primary issue of spending megabucks on 'frills' for magnet while ignoring the basics.... I am 100% with all of you. I have had the pleasure of helping facilities achieve Magnet status & working with 'real' Magnet hosptals. They were great working environments. They didn't get that way by bringing in fancy speakers.. they did it by hiring caring and competent leaders, providing adequate resources and working hard for years.

I agree with you, seeing her on a more personal level today, I can sense that she does care, and yes, she is sort of out there...but the metaphysical theme is something I can identify with on a personal level. I also question her clinical competence, which is why I believe it is easier for her to speak of so much love since she is not in the trenches.

I believe that spending the money for Magnet is a big waste of time...especially for a facility that failed less than one year ago, made no changes and is in denial of what is really happening. Just pipe dreams...

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Jean Watson continued her 'tour' today, visiting the units and sharing her views. I feel that her 'theory' is great for personal growth, to do at home, to revitalize ourselves, but not sure if this can be instituted at most of the facilities I know, because as stated, we have to have supportive leaders that will actually implement it. This is just for show, to me, to say that we had our blessings from this woman, but as long as the favortitism, inconsistencies and lateral violence is occuring in the work place, it would be more difficult. What I do support, however, is that a change does have to come within, and really, if we are content and have the ability to ward off negativity, we have the power to create our own personal station, not necessarily someone else's.

Why don't you talk with her about this?

Or send this thread to her?

She is open to this kind of conversation.

steph

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Why don't you talk with her about this?

Or send this thread to her?

She is open to this kind of conversation.

steph

It came up from another staff member, and I am in agreement with you, she was open to it. What I suspect actual issue is that once she disappears, it goes back to the same ole same ole behaviors. What we need is the support from nursing administrators that are not afraid of doctors, of truly standing up for nurses and supporting us-something that Watson can't really help us with.

What I can do, personally (and I have been) is bringing peace and harmony from within, and placing limits on how often an unreasonable staff member can ruin my peaceful moments. Has been working thus far. I do plan to make copies of peaceful pictures to place in my personal folder in paper protectors in order to make me focus while I am in whatever nursing room I am assigned to. I will be purchasing colored ink this weekend and searching the internet for the types of pics and slogans that inspire me.

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It came up from another staff member, and I am in agreement with you, she was open to it. What I suspect actual issue is that once she disappears, it goes back to the same ole same ole behaviors. What we need is the support from nursing administrators that are not afraid of doctors, of truly standing up for nurses and supporting us-something that Watson can't really help us with.

What I can do, personally (and I have been) is bringing peace and harmony from within, and placing limits on how often an unreasonable staff member can ruin my peaceful moments. Has been working thus far. I do plan to make copies of peaceful pictures to place in my personal folder in paper protectors in order to make me focus while I am in whatever nursing room I am assigned to. I will be purchasing colored ink this weekend and searching the internet for the types of pics and slogans that inspire me.

Sounds to me like you have a good head on your own shoulders! :D

Can't let people drag you down.

steph

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Oh, yeah, we have to look within, no matter what. What I can see is that if one person does change openly, it does change the waves of others around them. Whether it is negative or positive, it does cause ripples. If you notice sometimes, when really cheery people are around, there are those that become more irritable. It may be because they are struggling with trying to understand "What is making YOU so happy??". This is a working progress. That much, I did get from both, the metaphysical things I read independently for years and reinforced by Watson. The difference for me is that I decided months ago not to wait on others to bring me the praise I need.

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