Debi's Blog

March 6, 2007
A Moment to Care

Dr. Jean Watson has developed Ten Caring Behaviors that are the basis of her Theory of Human Caring. These caring behaviors are the foundation for UCH’s Patient Care Delivery Model. How do we connect with patients? Are we perceived as caring individuals? These are very important questions that speak to the core of our profession. CARING–something that takes no more than a minute of our time could impact our patients for a lifetime! As healthcare professionals, it’s the most precious gift that we can give to a patient.

Caring is displayed in many ways–in our expressions, movements, gestures, actions, voice tone and touch, just to name a few. Caring is how we relate or form a connection with another human being. It is based on a mutual respect for human dignity. Dr. Watson advocates interacting with patients with the intention to care and the ability to be perceived as a caring individual. You should enter every patient room not only ready to care, but ready to be perceived as a caring individual. There is a difference between caring and being perceived as caring. I think we would all agree that we aim to be caring individuals, but do we always demonstrate that through our movements, gestures, expressions, etc.? Do we make that our number one priority when we enter a patient’s room?

Dr. Watson’s 10 Caring Behaviors help us to put into practice the ability to be perceived as "Caring Individuals." According to Dr. Watson, caring individuals Listen Attentively and are Comforting; they act with Honesty, Patience, Respect, Sensitivity and Responsibility; they Provide Information so the Patient can make an Informed Decision about their Care; they Call the Patient by Name and Touch their Arm or Hand when Providing Care (Taber’s 1993).

Genuine caring has the capacity to heal. Remember, we, as healthcare providers, must attempt to establish this caring relationship with every patient. It’s not always easy, but when it is done successfully, the rewards provide the caregiver and the patient personal, professional and spiritual fulfillment.

You may be thinking that this is all pretty basic, right? However, so often we get caught up in the moment with a focus on completing tasks, we forget to display genuine caring–and that is what the patient will remember from their hospital experience. Did the patient perceive that he or she was treated in a caring manner? That is what we should all strive to accomplish!

So, the take-away message is: Take the Time to be Perceived as Caring. You may want to take a brief moment before the start of your shift to reaffirm this commitment and to remind yourself that no matter what the day holds for you, you will be committed to making a difference through caring. Our patients deserve our care—it only takes a minute!

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