Which concept in nursing theory focuses on the interpersonal process of caring between the nurse and patient?

Which concept in nursing theory focuses on the interpersonal process of caring between the nurse and patient?

• A. The Watson Model of Human Caring
• B. Orem's Self Care Model
• C. The NLN Competencies
• D. NCSBN

Answer: (A)

Caring as an interpersonal process between nurse and patient is captured in Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. This approach centers on the nurse–patient relationship as the vehicle for healing, emphasizing presence, empathy, trust, and moral commitment. Watson describes caring as the essence of nursing, expressed through caritas processes that cultivate a deep, transpersonal connection and create a healing environment. This makes the nurse’s relational engagement with the patient the primary mechanism for promoting health and well-being, beyond merely performing technical tasks. In contrast, other options don’t focus on that interpersonal caring relationship. Orem’s Self-Care Model concentrates on the patient’s ability to perform self-care to maintain or regain health. NLN Competencies are educational guidelines for nursing graduates, not a theory about caring relationships. NCSBN is a regulatory organization that sets practice standards, not a theory about caring.

Caring as an interpersonal process between nurse and patient is captured in Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. This approach centers on the nurse–patient relationship as the vehicle for healing, emphasizing presence, empathy, trust, and moral commitment. Watson describes caring as the essence of nursing, expressed through caritas processes that cultivate a deep, transpersonal connection and create a healing environment. This makes the nurse’s relational engagement with the patient the primary mechanism for promoting health and well-being, beyond merely performing technical tasks.

In contrast, other options don’t focus on that interpersonal caring relationship. Orem’s Self-Care Model concentrates on the patient’s ability to perform self-care to maintain or regain health. NLN Competencies are educational guidelines for nursing graduates, not a theory about caring relationships. NCSBN is a regulatory organization that sets practice standards, not a theory about caring.