Sample Answer
Professional Academic Essay: Nursing Theory in Contemporary Healthcare
The theory of expanding consciousness, developed by Margaret Newman, offers a profound perspective on health that is particularly relevant to today’s healthcare society. This theory posits that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a process of becoming more aware of oneself and one`s environment through the patterns of life experiences. In Newman’s view, disease and disruption can serve as catalysts for personal growth, fostering greater consciousness and meaning-making in patients’ lives. This theoretical framework is highly applicable in modern healthcare, especially as systems move toward holistic and person-centred care models. It encourages practitioners to view illness as an opportunity for transformation, not simply a condition to be eradicated. In practice, this means engaging patients in conversations about their lived experiences and helping them find meaning, even in the midst of chronic illness or terminal diagnoses.
For instance, in palliative care, the theory of expanding consciousness is highly relevant. Healthcare professionals often support patients in finding peace and understanding as they face the end of life. This process aligns with Newman’s idea that expanding consciousness is a lifelong journey that continues even in the face of death. The emphasis on meaningful relationships between nurse and patient, and on recognising the interconnectedness of all life experiences, makes this theory highly suitable for settings that focus on the psychosocial and spiritual dimensions of care.
Turning to Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, this theoretical model integrates particularly well within the context of modern healthcare systems striving to balance technology with compassion. Watson’s theory focuses on the carative factors, which emphasize caring relationships, human dignity, and transpersonal connections between caregivers and patients. In today’s fast-paced healthcare environments, especially in acute care settings, there is a risk that the humanistic aspects of nursing may be overlooked. Watson’s theory offers a corrective by reminding practitioners that authentic caring relationships are central to healing and patient satisfaction.
In my current working environment, an urban hospital setting serving a diverse patient population, Watson’s theory is especially relevant. Many of our patients face socioeconomic challenges, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions, all of which affect their healthcare experiences. Watson’s emphasis on caring moments and holistic engagement encourages nurses to acknowledge the emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of each patient’s experience. For example, taking the time to listen actively to a patient’s concerns, or engaging family members in care planning, reflects the carative factors and fosters trust and healing.
Moreover, Watson’s approach supports the mental well-being of nurses themselves, by promoting self-care, reflection, and emotional awareness. In high-stress environments, where burnout is prevalent, such emphasis helps sustain compassionate care delivery.
