Claude Jean-Baptiste is recovering from post-hip replacement surgery and has been transferred to the Rehabilitation Institute adjacent to the hospital. When he enters the unit, he sees welcoming signs written in several languages including his own, Creole.

QUESTION

Claude Jean-Baptiste is recovering from post-hip replacement surgery and has been transferred to the Rehabilitation Institute adjacent to the hospital. When he enters the unit, he sees welcoming signs written in several languages including his own, Creole. Since there are no nurses on that shift that speak Creole, they use a language line to ask for translation services. During this initial nursing assessment, the translator informs Mr. Jean-Baptiste that the nurses invite him to have a relative at his side so that they can be sure to understand and meet his needs. He is asked about Haitian customs and beliefs that they might honor. Mr. Jean-Baptiste is encouraged to bring food and spiritual care items, and to share the warmth of his culture with the nursing staff.

• Discuss assumptions of the Transpersonal Caring relationship. What is the nurse’s role?
• How is love, as defined by Watson, evident in this caring moment?
• How can the nurse creatively use self to create healing environment?
• Discuss the strengths and limits to Watson’s Theory.

ANSWER

The Transpersonal Caring Relationship in Nursing: Assumptions, Love, and Creativity

Introduction

 Transpersonal caring is a fundamental concept within nursing that emphasizes the holistic and interconnected nature of care. Developed by Jean Watson, the theory of transpersonal caring focuses on the nurse-patient relationship, emphasizing empathy, compassion, and understanding. This essay will discuss the assumptions of the transpersonal caring relationship, the nurse’s role in this context, the presence of love as defined by Watson, the nurse’s use of self to create a healing environment, and finally, the strengths and limitations of Watson’s theory.

Assumptions of the Transpersonal Caring Relationship

Connection and Interconnectedness: The transpersonal caring relationship assumes that there is a deep connection between the nurse and the patient, transcending the physical and material realm. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the impact of this connection on the healing process (Wei & Watson, 2019).

Respect and Dignity: The relationship is grounded in mutual respect and the recognition of the patient’s inherent dignity. Nurses honor the uniqueness and worth of each individual, regardless of their cultural background, language, or beliefs.

Holistic Approach: Transpersonal caring acknowledges that individuals are complex beings with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. The nurse takes a holistic approach, addressing all these aspects to promote the patient’s well-being and healing (Sakallaris et al., 2015).

Healing Environment: The theory assumes that the physical and interpersonal environment plays a crucial role in healing. Creating a nurturing, supportive, and culturally sensitive environment contributes to the patient’s overall well-being.

The Nurse’s Role in the Transpersonal Caring Relationship

 In the transpersonal caring relationship, the nurse assumes several roles

Facilitator of Healing: The nurse acts as a facilitator, creating an environment that promotes healing, growth, and well-being. They provide physical care, emotional support, and spiritual guidance, tailoring their interventions to meet the individual needs of the patient.

Advocate: The nurse advocates for the patient’s rights, preferences, and cultural beliefs. They ensure that the patient’s voice is heard and respected, collaborating with them to make informed decisions about their care.

Educator: The nurse serves as an educator, providing information and guidance to the patient and their family. They empower the patient to take an active role in their healing process by promoting health literacy and self-care practices.

Love in the Caring Moment

 According to Watson, love is a central component of transpersonal caring. It is not limited to romantic love but encompasses a deep sense of compassion, empathy, and connectedness. In the caring moment described, love is evident through the nurse’s invitation for Mr. Jean-Baptiste to have a relative at his side. By acknowledging the importance of family and culture, the nurse demonstrates a caring attitude that goes beyond physical care. The nurse’s encouragement for Mr. Jean-Baptiste to bring food and spiritual care items and share the warmth of his culture exemplifies love as defined by Watson.

Creative Use of Self

The nurse can creatively use self to create a healing environment by incorporating cultural sensitivity and understanding. They can engage in active listening, seeking to understand Mr. Jean-Baptiste’s customs, beliefs, and needs (Jahromi et al., 2016). By demonstrating genuine curiosity and respect, the nurse can establish a deeper connection and create an atmosphere of trust. Additionally, the nurse can use non-verbal communication, such as touch and body language, to convey empathy and comfort. By being present and fully engaged in the caring moment, the nurse can foster a healing environment that respects Mr. Jean-Baptiste’s cultural background and values.

Strengths and Limits of Watson’s Theory

Strengths

Holistic Approach: Watson’s theory emphasizes the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of the patient, promoting comprehensive care.

Humanistic Focus: The theory recognizes the unique worth and dignity of each individual, emphasizing the nurse-patient relationship as the core of nursing practice.

Cultural Sensitivity: Watson’s theory encourages nurses to honor and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices of patients, promoting culturally competent care.

Limits

Subjectivity: The theory’s emphasis on intuition and subjective experiences may make it challenging to measure and quantify caring behaviors, limiting its application in research and evidence-based practice.

Cultural Variations: While the theory acknowledges cultural sensitivity, its universal application may not fully account for the diversity of cultural norms and practices worldwide.

Practical Implementation: Implementing the theory in busy healthcare settings with time constraints and multiple competing demands can be challenging, requiring a dedicated commitment from nurses and organizations.

Conclusion

The transpersonal caring relationship in nursing, as defined by Watson, places love, empathy, and connectedness at the center of care. By understanding and incorporating cultural beliefs and practices, nurses can create a healing environment that respects the individuality and diversity of patients. While Watson’s theory has strengths in promoting holistic care and cultural sensitivity, its subjectivity and practical implementation challenges should also be considered. Nonetheless, the transpersonal caring relationship remains a valuable framework for nurses to provide compassionate and patient-centered care.

References

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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2018.12.001 

Sakallaris, B. R., MacAllister, L., Voss, M. E., Smith, K., & Jonas, W. B. (2015). Optimal Healing Environments. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 4(3), 40–45. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2015.043 

Jahromi, V. K., Tabatabaee, S. S., Abdar, Z. E., & Rajabi, M. (2016). Active listening: The key of successful communication in hospital managers. Electronic Physician, 8(3), 2123–2128. https://doi.org/10.19082/2123