The definition of nursing has been created by many people, so each explanation is different. The understanding of nursing depends on aspects a person includes in the explanation. Watson’s and Peplau’s theories are among the most appropriate to define nursing, but some points differ from my explanation. Therefore, the definition of nursing should include many factors and can be developed due to the state of nursing and its future development.
Similarities and Differences between Watson’s and Peplau’s Theories
Watson’s and Peplau’s nursing theories are based on the healing process and they mark the interpersonal nature of nursing. They recognized the unique needs of each patient and the importance of a holistic and patient-centered approach to nursing care (Wei & Watson, 2019). Both theories also emphasized the importance of education and guidance to promote health and well-being. (Wasaya, 2021). Watson and Peplau included different aspects of the work, such as medical and ethical human care (Wei & Watson, 2019). Watson and Peplau believed that the development of communication in the patient environment would promote the healing process (Wei & Watson, 2019). Watson and Peplau highlighted the necessity of interpersonal connections between nurse and patient (Wasaya, 2021). Therefore, scientists researched the interpersonal nature of nursing and paid major attention to communication between nurse and patient, and their theories are based on carrying and interacting.
However, Watsons theory devised carative factors, whereas Peplau identified stages of the nurse-patient relationship. Watson’s definition is based on the statement that nursing is a human science of people and health (Wei & Watson, 2019). Watson regarded nursing as a science and art. Watsons theory states that the interpersonal dynamics between nurses and patients are essential. She created 10 carative factors, specifying the way care should be implemented in nurse-patient relations (Wei & Watson, 2019). Peplau defined nursing primarily as art, and the key role here is the nurse-patient relationship, which is based on therapeutic interactions and requires passion for the job (Wasaya, 2021). Peplau divided nurse-patient relationships into three stages: orientation phase, working phase and termination phase (Wasaya, 2021). Peplau stated that nursing is an interpersonal and therapeutic, whether Watson emphasized that humanity should heal itself. Hence, the approach to the definition of nursing by Watson and Peplau is different but is focused on care.
My Definition of Nursing and Its Differences from Scientist’s Theories
My nursing theory is centered on the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and patient, incorporating the ideas of Hildegard Peplau and Jean Watson. This theory emphasizes the importance of a holistic and patient-centered approach to nursing care, with the nurse serving as a facilitator of the patient’s journey towards health and well-being. The nurse acts as a caring and compassionate presence, providing emotional support, education, and guidance to the patient throughout the healing process. This theory recognizes the unique needs of each patient and emphasizes the importance of empowering patients to take an active role in their own care. The overarching goal of this theory is to promote health and well-being by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient through a collaborative and holistic approach to nursing care. Thus, nursing is the process of healing, but it includes social and emotional interactions based on the personal nurse-patient connection.
The Current State of Nursing
Economic and organizational changes influenced the state of nursing and impacted its future. Nurses face various challenges that influence their image and increase professional standards. For instance, previously, nursing was considered a maternal profession, which created many prejudices (Grinberg & Sela, 2022). Nurses are the leading care providers, and this image is still developing and can be useful in politics. Nurses’ involvement in politics is needed for social advancements, and nurses, as politicians, influence people’s quality of life (Grinberg & Sela, 2022). Economic and organizational changes in nursing have led to a shift towards a more cost-effective and efficient healthcare system. Nurses are playing a more active role in healthcare management, and technology has become more prevalent, improving communication and collaboration (Grinberg & Sela, 2022). The current state of nursing is unstable and needs improvements. Nursing will remain useful in the future, but a few changes will take place. The future of nursing will demand even more skills and abilities. In the future nurses should be more assertive and able to make difficult decisions and improve their understanding of patients’ personalities and their needs. Global changes worldwide increase the demand for nursing and significantly impact the further development of this practice.
The current state of nursing uses the theories of both scientists to engage emotions in carrying relationships and understanding the behavior of healthcare professionals and patients. Peplaus theory developed the modern concept of nursing such as making informed decisions, motivational interviewing, and client engagement (Wasaya, 2021). Based on this theory, presently healthcare workers pay great attention to their behavior and their patients, analyze it and find ways to improve it. Watsons theory provides nurses with spiritual and emotional help to take of patients (Wei & Watson, 2019). Nurses not only look after the physical health and needs of the patients but also take into account spiritual and emotional health and practices. Hence, the current state of nursing is based on these two theories and uses their concepts to improve the nursing and healing process.
References
Grinberg, K., & Sela, Y. (2022). Perception of the image of the nursing profession and its relationship with quality of care. BMC nursing, 21(1), 1-8. Web.
Wasaya, F., Shah, Q., Shaheen, A., & Carroll, K. (2021). Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations: A case study. Nursing Science Quarterly, 34(4), 368-371. Web.
Wei, H., & Watson, J. (2019). Healthcare interprofessional team members’ perspectives on human caring: A directed content analysis study. International journal of nursing sciences, 6(1), 17-23. Web.