Introduction
In the field of healthcare, caring is traditionally considered the essence of nursing. It is seen as an innate human trait, and its basic assumptions form the basis of what is known as caring science. It also recognizes the importance of holistic approaches, such as patient-centered care, to ensure a positive patient experience (Watson, 2018). This essay will discuss my thoughts on caring being retained as the essence of nursing, my reflections on this week’s course content and assignments, and potential applications of the course concepts.
Discussion
Caring is the foundation of nursing practice and essential to quality patient care. It is not just a set of technical skills but a set of values and attitudes that guides the nurse in their daily practice. Health practitioners must demonstrate a commitment to caring and respect for the patient and uphold a sense of concern and empathy (Watson, 2018). Tenderness cannot be taught but is a value that must be cultivated and nurtured within each nurse. It requires a deep understanding of the patient’s needs and is often best expressed through small acts of kindness.
I believe that caring is an innate human trait. People can all care and connect with others, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences. Caring is an essential element of being human, and everyone can try to cultivate it in themselves and the people around them (Watson, 2018). It is an important skill for anyone in the healthcare field and something all nurses should work to embody. For instance, a nurse who demonstrates a caring attitude towards a patient through active listening and supportive conversation can help to create a more trusting and compassionate relationship between the nurse and the patient.
The foundation principles of caring science make a lot of sense to me. Caring science is based on the idea that caring is a fundamental human trait and should be the basis for all nursing practice (Watson, 2018). It is also based on the fact that tenderness should be an ongoing process and that nurses should strive to create a good relationship with each patient. The core principles of caring science also emphasize the importance of effective communication and creating an environment of trust, respect, and empathy, and as a result, they resonate with me.
The content and assignments from this week’s course met the intended objectives. The goals were to understand the importance of caring in nursing, apply the five Cs of caring, and create a caring environment in the workplace. The readings, lectures, and assignments all focused on these topics and provided insight into how to incorporate caring into nursing practice.
One potential application of the course concepts is using the five Cs of caring in all patient interactions. This includes demonstrating a commitment to their care, having a conscience when making decisions, competence in their practice, compassion for their situation, and confidence in their abilities. They foster an atmosphere of respect and understanding, providing emotional and psychological support and encouraging open communication.
This week’s biggest challenge was understanding the importance of caring science in nursing. I thought nursing was all about treatment and issuing medications as directed by doctors. Even after understanding the concept of caring, I struggled to apply it in my practice. However, through the readings and lectures, I gained a better knowledge of caring science and how it can be used to create a more conducive environment in the workplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the core of nursing is caring, a natural human quality. The foundational tenets of caring science make perfect sense, offering nurses a framework for fostering a more compassionate work atmosphere. I learned more about the significance of caring in nursing throughout this week’s training and how to incorporate the five Cs of care into my practice. Nursing professionals may give patients high-quality care and create a happy work atmosphere by understanding the significance of caring science.
Reference
Watson, J. (2018). Integrative nursing and caring science: Universals of human caring and healing. Integrative Nursing, (pp. 20–28). Web.