Transpersonal nursing care based on the caring theory for women with breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Jean Watson’s thought is based on two fundamental perspectives: philosophy of care and transpersonal care theory. She bases her theory in seven assumptions and 10 caritative care factors, named after Watson’s Caritas Process (CP); in practice, the concept of spiritual suffering is incorporated as part of the process and nursing care plan, with primary focus on understanding the experience, the meaning and purpose of life.

Objective: To implement a transpersonal nursing process based on the 10 processes of the caring theory for a woman with breast cancer.

Methods: For the valuation, a care map was used based on the phenomenological study of the individual; seven diagnoses using NANDA International, Inc. taxonomy were determined; care plans were formulated with NIC and NOC taxonomies; the guidance for nursing interventions were the 10 care (carative) processes; and narrative was used to describe the experience of implementing those 10 processes.

Results: Empathy was a value implemented for women with breast cancer’s care, allowing to assess the spiritual dimension of the person in its own unique personality and recognizing the strengths and weaknesses for dealing with situations that humans live every day.

Conclusions: The addition of the 10 processes in Caring’s care plan of transpersonal nursing care to women with breast cancer implies that the nurse develops essential human values and recognizes herself as a spiritual being of help.