The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) requires an affiliant for participation with the Watson Caring Science Institute to strengthen the care delivery model at the MEDVAMC. The model shall assist nurses with planning and implementing purposeful care that is also efficient and yields positive outcomes for our Veterans. As the overarching framework for nursing practice, the model shall guide nurses as they provide care, based on evidence-based practices, quality patient outcomes, and contributions to professional nursing practice. This framework shall feed directly into the Care Delivery models utilized at the MEDVAMC.
The care provided is guided and based on Jean Watson’s Human Caring Theory. Her caritas principles are embedded into the nursing care delivered and the environment in which the nurses work. Our collaboration and consultative relationship with Dr. Jean Watson has assisted in weaving the caritas processes into our day-to-day activities and tasks surrounding the care delivered to our veteran patients. VE employees shall have the opportunity to express their feelings; reconnect to their inner self to promote healing when necessary; and/or experience a caring moment through the Caritas’ avenues available in the medical center. Watson’s Caring theory is discussed at each new employee orientation so new staff members to the MEDVAMC understand that our environment is dedicated to Jean Watson’s caritas processes.
