THEORY OF HUMAN CARING 1
Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
Nicole L. Gardner
Nursing Theory and Advanced Practice 502
College of Nursing, Liberty University
Author Note
Nicole Gardner
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article
should be addressed to Nicole Gardner. Email: nlgardner@liberty.edu
THEORY OF HUMAN CARING 2
Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring
Jean Watson is considered a revolutionary in the profession of nursing. Her innovative
method of patient care was introduced in the mid-1970s and her theory remains applicable to
modern-day nursing practice. Jean Watson’s theory of caring is a nursing theory that is based on
the interactive process which occurs between a nurse and patient (Gonzalo, 2019). This theory
gives nurses a fundamental systematic approach to develop caring behaviors that has been
proven to be extremely important in the overall healing process. Watson emphasizes that as
humans, we are morally obligated to truly care, not only for our patient but all people, because
we can then affect others in ways that are unforeseen. This patient care approach to nursing has
far reaching implications when compassion, respect and medical care are administered in
combined formats (2019). In the following text, I will discuss and evaluate Jean Watson’s theory
that nursing is defined by caring using Fawcett’s method of theory analysis and theory evaluation
(McEwen et al., 2018).
Overview of Watson’s Caring Theory
Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is a grand theory that contributes to the
existential side of nursing. This incorporates caring about the patient’s mind, body and spirit so
that the healing process can be achieved at an optimal level; this is what this paper refers to when
stating whole body healing. According to Watson, “nursing is concerned with promoting health,
preventing illness, caring for the sick, and restoring health” (Gonzalo, 2019). Watson described
