Greenwich Hospital hosts world renowned nursing theorist

Greenwich, CT  – World renowned theorist Jean Watson, PhD, RN, focused on the art and science of caring in nursing when she presented “Caring from the Heart” at Greenwich Hospital on April 1. 

Founder and director of the Watson Caring Science Institute, Watson developed the “Theory of Human Caring” which outlines 10 ways to enhance the caring environment of nursing. Clinical nurses and academic programs around the world use her published works on the philosophy and theory of human caring. 

“Our nursing profession is guided by a deep belief system where we honor the unity of the whole person – the mind, body and spirit,” Watson told an audience of more than 150 nurses and other healthcare professionals from Yale New Haven Health System, which includes Greenwich, Bridgeport and Yale New Haven hospitals. Watson’s lecture at Greenwich Hospital was streamed live to both Bridgeport and Yale New Haven hospitals. 

“It is about how we connect with the patient and how they connect with us by forming a trusting relationship and caring environment where healing takes place,” said Watson. “The theory gives a language to the phenomena of human caring where the nurse takes time to be present in the moment, which promotes healing.”   

“Dr. Watson’s theory of human caring guides our nursing practice of patient and family-centered care at Yale New Haven Health System and is the foundation of the professional practice model created by YNHHS nurses,” said Priscilla Sterne, DNP, RNC, director of Nursing Programs/Magnet at Greenwich Hospital. 

The Greenwich Hospital inaugural event was sponsored by The Dr. Raymond and Beverly Sackler Distinguished Lectureship in Nursing in honor of Althia Johnson, RN, BSN, as part of The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Fund For The Arts And Sciences. 

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