Nursing has been described as both an art and a science in the literature. The American Nursing Association (ANA) defines that nursing is not only an art and a science, but also a heart and a mind - the heart encompassing human dignity and the internal knowingness for a patient’s needs along with the learning mind (American Nurses Association, 2018). Science and art are ways in which mankind seeks to gain insight and understanding of both the people and world around them. To gain insight, a person must have awareness and a deep understanding of a complex problem or phenomenon. Nursing theories seek to elucidate these explanations as it relates to the profession of nursing and provide the scientific evidence (foundational knowledge) that defines …show more content…
The metaparadigms are the central issues of the discipline and are fundamental to nursing theory. The field of nursing is an evolving discipline that originates from a foundation in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical and biological sciences; these serve as the foundation for the Baccalaureate Essentials of Nursing Education (AACN, 2008). Moreover, nurses use these disciplines along with nursing theory to provide optimal care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of practice …show more content…
My nursing philosophy and reason for becoming a nurse is best described by Jean Watson’s theory of Human Caring. Her theory demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach to patient care that looks at the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. According to Watson, “caring is the essence of nursing.” My reasoning for joining the nursing profession was an innate desire to help others and to be a better caregiver for my family stricken by genetically inherited cancer (BRCA1 gene mutations). I have witnessed a lot of human suffering in both my professional and personal life. The simple act of caring, showing concern and being attentive to patient needs, is an important component of the healing process and can make a world of difference in the emotional and physical well-being of the patient. According to Watson’s theory, caring promotes health more than a medical cure, and for a person to be considered fully healed only the total healing of mind, body, and soul could accomplish this. She found that by actively engaging in caring, through being authentically present and intentionality, a nurse can optimize her patient’s ability to heal from within (Watson, 2018.) Furthermore, Watson believed caring exists in every society, is learned through culture as an adaption to the environment,