Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring
Kristen Swanson’s theory of caring aims at determining the effectiveness of a nurse’s caring relationship on the blood pressure and the quality of life of patients with hypertension. It states that caring revolves around five categories which when applied to nursing practice fuel the caregiver’s attitude and improve overall patient’s well-being (Cara, 2003). Nurses caring relationships with hypertensive patients can have a positive effect upon their blood pressure and may increase the quality of life and prolongation of life. Hypertension affects a large number of people. It is important that that affected receive, in addition to the best available medical treatment, nursing care that best meets their needs and adds to the quality of their lives. Watson’s Caring Model is one nursing approach consistent with the needs of persons with hypertension and was used in this study to guide both research and practice.
Jean Watson was Kristen Swanson’s dissertation chair and mentor and as a result, Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Care had an impact on Swanson and the development of her Theory of Caring. Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring was developed in 1979 and has been revised over the years although, the basic concepts remain the same. The theory combines scientific knowledge with the elements of human caring and presence (Erci et al., 2003). It was designed to bring meaning and focus to nursing as a distinct health profession. Interactions or caring moments result when the nurse and patient make contact, the nurse enters the patient’s room, and when a feeling of expectation is created. These moments transform both the patient and nurse and link them together in a patient-centered relationship.
Nurses caring relationships with hypertensive patients can have a positive effect upon their blood pressure and may increase the quality of life and prolongation of life. Hypertension affects a large number of people. It is important that that affected receive, in addition to the best available medical treatment, nursing care that best meets their needs and adds to the quality of their lives (Cara, 2003). Watson’s Caring Model is one nursing approach consistent with the needs of persons with hypertension and was used in this study to guide both research and practice.
References
Cara, C. (2003). A pragmatic view of Jean Watson’s caring theory. International Journal for Human Caring, 7(3), 51-61.
Erci, B., Sayan, A., Tortumluoǧlu, G., Kiliç, D., Şahin, O., & Güngörmüş, Z. (2003). The effectiveness of Watson’s Caring Model on the quality of life and blood pressure of patients with hypertension. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 41(2), 130-139. 41. 130 – 139. 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02515.x.