CARING THROUGH KNOWLEDGE

Introduction: Chesapeake Regional Medical Center adopted Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring as the basis for nursing practice. It became apparent that the staff did not have a working knowledge of the theory. While there are many “ways of knowing”, the staff cannot respond appropriately or embrace the theory without the education. With increased patient acuity and staff responsibilities on the rise, task-oriented nursing had become acceptable, almost encouraged, and the nurses agreed they did not become nurses to perform tasks. Nurses reported that they are nurses because they care. The project has been a journey to awaken that “caring” within the nurses.