Humanistic Nursing Theory: Analysis, Strengths, and Application

This essay provides an analysis of the Humanistic Nursing Theory, developed by Josephine Paterson and Loretta Zderad, which emphasizes the human aspect of care and the importance of developing a strong connection with patients for holistic improvement. The theory focuses on person-to-person communication, connection to the care process, and group dialogues to enhance patient care. While the theory posits that every patient thought is positive, which may not be realistic, and lacks emphasis on a scientific approach, its application in critical care settings can be valuable. The author's personal experience highlights how applying this theory fostered empathy, improved patient communication, and facilitated effective educational care.

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING THEORY ANALYSIS
Name of the student
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Author note

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This paper would discuss about the Humanistic Nursing Theory which primarily focuses
on the human aspect of the care and emphasizes on developing a connection with patients to
ensure holistic improvement (Sitzman, 2018). The structure of this theory develops on the base
of belief and connection with patients and depending on these Josephine Paterson and Loretta
Zderad developed this nursing theory in 1960s (Levine, Thorne & Sawatzky, 2014).
The primary purpose of this theory is to provide the nursing professionals with insight
that developing relationship with patients helps them to connect to the care process and increased
empathy helps them to develop a care strategy for the improved outcome (Richardson, Percy &
Hughes, 2015). Further, the primary purpose of this nursing theory was developing person to
person communication, person to care process connection and developing group dialogues to
develop and discover new aspect of care to provide maximum benefit to the patient (Levine,
Thorne & Sawatzky, 2014). Despite, there are some loopholes in the nursing theory based on
humanitarian. As per this theory, every thought of patient is positive for care, which is not
possible in practical situations (Sitzman, 2018). Further, due to excessive subjective experience,
professionals are unable to conduct the care depending on this theory. Further, no emphasis on
scientific approach is given in this care approach (Richardson, Percy & Hughes, 2015).
However, application of this theory in my care process helped me to understand the
positive aspect of humanitarian approach in critical care processes, where empathy and
connection to patients becomes crucial to conduct effective care process. Further, it helped me to
provide educational care to my patients as they were able to relate to me more effectively
through this care theory (Richardson, Percy & Hughes, 2015).

2NURSING ASSIGNMENT
References
Levine, M. E., Thorne, S., & Sawatzky, R. (2014). Chapter The History of Knowledge
Development in Nursing 2. Knowledge Development in Nursing-E-Book: Theory and
Process, 24.
Richardson, C., Percy, M., & Hughes, J. (2015). Nursing therapeutics: teaching student nurses
care, compassion and empathy. Nurse Education Today, 35(5), e1-e5.
Sitzman, K. (2018). Caring science, mindful practice: Implementing Watson’s human caring
theory. Springer Publishing Company.