Examining Swansons Theory of Caring Essay - 989 Words

Examining the Theory of Caring Swansons (1993) Theory of Caring is structured around five principles that encompass the overall definition of caring in nursing practice. This theory states that caring revolves around five categories: knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief. When applied to nursing practice, each of these five categories can fuel the caregivers attitude and improve overall patient well-being. In nursing, as well as other areas caring can be defined as, a nurturing way of relating to a valued other toward whom one feels a personal sense of commitment and responsibility. Upon examination, the five processes of Swansons Theory of Caring can be used in nursing practice to achieve an enhanced†¦show more content†¦Part of the caregiver or nurses duty is to provide emotional support and understanding to the patient. Swanson (1993) proclaims that being with assures patients that their reality is appreciated and that the nurse is ready and wil ling to provide emotional support. Emotional support can come in many forms, such as providing a shoulder to lean on and listening attentively. By using the process of being with, nursing professionals can convey messages such as, you are not alone, what happens to you matters and that we are here for you (Swanson, 1993). Conveying these messages can help with the healing process and overall well-being of the patient by decreasing anxiety and providing the patient with a caring relationship when family support is unavailable. Doing For The third caring process is doing for. According to Swanson (1991) doing for is simply put as doing for another what they would do for themselves if at all possible. In a nursing or caregiver aspect, doing for may include comforting the patient, anticipating needs, performing competently and skillfully, and protecting the patient from undo harm (Swanson, 1993). When the patient is unable to do for themselves during times of sickness, the nurse must be attentive to their needs. This however, can be embarrassing and constitute an indignity to patients (Swanson, 1991). Nursing professionals must be cognizant and understanding