This document outlines Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, which views caring as the moral ideal of nursing. The theory proposes 10 Caritas Processes that promote caring relationships through compassion and human dignity. Key concepts include mind-body-spirit integration, transpersonal caring relationships between nurses and patients, and the creation of a healing environment. The goal is for nurses to authentically care for themselves and others through presence, empathy, and addressing holistic human needs.

1. Caritas
“To Cherish”
Love and Caring toward
Inner Healing
for Self and Others
Extending to Nature and the Universe
Human caring in nursing, is not just an emotion, concern,
attitude, or benevolent desire. Caring is the moral ideal of
nursing whereby the end is protection, enhancement, and
preservation of human dignity. (Watson, 1999, p. 29).
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Theory of Human Caring
Carative Factors and Evolving Caritas Processes
Transpersonal Relationships
Caring Moments/Occasions

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Jean Watson urges those who use the caring-healing paradigm
in their nursing practice must live it out in their own lives.
“…living authentically requires a commitment to self-care at
that deep level of personal practice and discipline, which in turn
is honoring one’s own embodied spirit, taking time for soul
care” (Watson, 1997, p. 51)
We have to treat ourselves with gentleness and dignity before
we can respect and care for others with gentleness and dignity.
(Watson, 1999, p. 33)
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Watson’s Caring Theory: Concept Paradigm
Human
Mind-body-soul integration
Wholism
Health
Unity and harmony with mind-body-soul
Evolving human consciousness
Nurse
Cherish wholeness of humans
Focus on human relationship and transactions with the
environment

3. Environment
Cosmic, energized, and spiritual universe
Connectedness of all living things: Human-Caring/Eco-Caring
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Transpersonal Caring Relationship
Transpersonal caring leads to an alignment of intentionality,
consciousness and one’s being in action, seeking an authentic
presence, an integration of mind-body-spirit, which is healing
(Watson, 1997, p. 51)
Through transpersonal caring, both the nurse and the patient
enter into the lived experiences of one another and are central to
the process of change and growth that occurs from the
encounter. Transpersonal caring is actualized through a process
of healing and an authentic connection in the moment. It calls
for an authenticity of being and an ability of the nurse and
patient to be present with one another. (Hagedorn, 2005, p. 3)
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Dr. Jean Watson’s Human Caring Theory: Ten Caritas Processes

4. Embrace altruistic values and Practice loving kindness with self
and others.
Instill faith and hope and honor others.
Be sensitive to self and others by nurturing individual beliefs
and practices.
Develop helping – trusting- caring relationships.
Promote and accept positive and negative feelings as you
authentically listen to another’s story.
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Dr. Jean Watson’s Human Caring Theory
Ten Caritas Processes (Con’t)
Use creative scientific problem-solving methods for
caring decision making.
Share teaching and learning that addresses the
individual needs and comprehension styles.
Create a healing environment for the physical and
spiritual self which respects human dignity.
Assist with basic physical, emotional, and spiritual
human needs.

5. 10. Open to mystery and Allow miracles to enter.
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Caring Moment
Whenever the nurse and the patient interact as
their own unique authentic beings and human caring is
created.
Both persons mutually come together and are
genuinely present with one another
Caring-Healing Consciousness
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http://watsoncaringscience.org/files/Audio/caring_moment.mp3

6. Let’s Take Time for a Caring Moment Together with
Jean Watson
http://watsoncaringscience.org/files/Audio/caring_moment.mp3
Caring Moment audio
This website has an excellent review of all the key concepts and
there is YouTube video of a caring moment
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Opportunities For Ritual “Handwashing”
PROVIDES A PAUSE TO:
Quiet Busy Mind
Wash Away Old Experience
Center in Caring Intention
Honor Self and Other
Reconnect to Core Values
Bless and Release Last Person/Situation
Purify Sacred Space for Authentic Presence
Open to Ability to Give and Receive Next Person/Situation
Jean Watson, Keynote Oct. 20, 2011
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7. Application of Watson’s ‘Theory Of Human Caring’
Self-Reflection for Your Own Life and Nursing Practice
How do you feel about your own personal and professional
growth?
Are you committed to seeking out authentic connections and
healing-caring relationships?
Will the focus of your nursing practice be science-technocure or
the caring-healing-loving model?
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References
Cara, C. (2009) A Pragmatic View of Jean Watson’s Caring
Theory Presentation. International Association of Human
Caring.
DeBakey, M. (2011). Press Release on Human Caring Theory of
Nursing in Action.
Available at: http://www.watsoncaringscience.org
Hagedorn, M. (2005). Caring Practices in the 21st Centruy: The
Emerging Role of Nurse Practitioners. Topics in Advanced
Practice Nursing e-Journal. Available at:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/496372
Watson, J. (1999). Nursing: Human Science and Human Care –

8. A Theory of Nursing. Boston: Jones & Bartlett.
Watson, J. (2001). Theory of Human Caring. In: Marylyn Parker
(Ed.) Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice. Philadelphia: F.A.
Davis.
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