Core Concepts of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring/Caring Science
The Core Priniciples/Practices: Evolving From Carative to Caritas (Watson, 2008, p. 34)
Practice of loving-kindness and equanimity
Authentic presence: enabling deep belief of other (patient, colleague, family, etc.)
Cultivation of one’s own spiritual practice toward wholeness of mind/body/spirit—beyond ego
“Being” the caring-healing environment
Allowing miracles (openness to the unexpected and inexplicable life events)
Core Concepts of the Theory:
A relational caring for self and others based on a moral/ethical/philosophical foundation of
love and values
Transpersonal caring relationship (going beyond ego to higher “spiritual” caring created by
“Caring Moments”)
Moral commitment to protect and enhance human dignity
Respect/”love” for the person—honoring his/her needs, wishes, routines, and rituals
Caring Consciousness of self as person/nurse and other as person—connection as
human beings
Heart-centered/healing caring based on practicing and honoring wholeness of mindbody-spirit in self and each other
Inner harmony (equanimity)—maintaining balance
Intention of “doing” for another and “being” with another who is in need (What (skills)
you do and how (caring conscious intention) you do it.)
“Authentic Presence” (honoring/connecting human to human)
Caring Occasion/Caring Moment: Heart-centered Encounters with another person
When two people, each with their own “phenomenal field”/background come together
in a human-to-human transaction that is meaningful, authentic, intentional, honoring
the person, and sharing human experience that expands each person’s worldview and
spirit leading to new discovery of self and other and new life possibilities.
Multiple ways of knowing (through science, art, aesthetic, ethical, intuitive, personal, cultural,
spiritual)
Reflective/meditative approach (increasing consciousness and presence...