This report focuses on the use of Watson's theory of human caring for Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) patients in acute medical-surgical wards. It discusses the dilemmas facing DNR patients and their nurses and explores the solutions to these dilemmas offered by Watson's theory. Traditional nursing practice places the nurse in a difficult situation by focusing on physical health. The report discusses the philosophical assumptions underlying Watson's theory. These assumptions led Watson to focus on nursing holistically, and to emphasise an integrated approach to nursing, which promotes the comfort of the patient physically, spiritually and emotionally. Her focus is on the broader aspects of caring such as involving the care domain of nursing, instead of the narrower view of nursing which focuses on care for the 'cure' only. This appproach is particularly relevant to DNR situations because these situations involve patients for whom there is no physical cure. Watson's holistic approach to caring offers the nurses of DNR patients guidelines for their practice and meaning for their nursing actions. Because current DNR decisions are often made by medical officers but implemented by nurses, it is the nurse who may be legally liable for the patient's death. This can cause anxiety for the nurses involved. Another cause of anxiety can be the traditional focus in nursing on physical cure. In the care of DNR patients, no such cure is possible. This can leave the nurse feeling distressed and incompetent. DNR the patients, may lack of autonomy and suffer feelings of insecurity. It is in these areas that Watson's ten carative factors can offer support, for both patients and nurses. / Master of Nursing
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/235909 |
| Date | January 1995 |
| Creators | Lee, Kyung Hae, University of Western Sydney, Nepean, Faculty of Nursing and Health Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Source | THESIS_FNHS_XXX_Lee_K.xml |
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