The Soft Touch

A smile can go a long way in caring for patients. That’s the thinking of author and nursing guru Jean Watson, Ph.D., R.N., who shared her philosophy of human caring and relationship-centered practices at the 20th International Caritas Conference. Attended by several Memorial and Beacon associates, the gathering was designed to promote and implement caring and healing practices among nursing professionals.

This “Caritas” process at Memorial will focus on caring and healing our patients, and reducing nurse turnover by promoting an environment that nurtures trust and respect for each other.

Left to Right: Stephanie Berch, Sara Scheibelhut, Jean Watson, Bob Wolf, Kimberlie Warren, Amber Fenner, Jenny Jordan and Terry Brady

“The science of nursing allows nurses to provide care for our patients’ physical needs, but the art of nursing allows nurses to touch our patients’ souls,” explains Bev Teegarden, R.N., BSN, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “We must not underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear or the smallest act of caring, all of which can make a difference with our patients. We must also remember our that as nurses we must also care for ourselves and our team so we continue to be able to care for our patients.”

Ten Caritas Processes™

1. Embrace altruistic values and Practice loving kindness with self and others.
2. Instill faith and hope and honor others.
3. Be sensitive to self and others by nurturing individual beliefs and practices.
4. Develop helping – trusting caring relationships.
5. Promote and accept positive and negative feelings as you authentically listen to another’s story.
6. Use creative scientific problem-solving methods for caring decision making.
7. Share teaching and learning that addresses the individual needs and comprehension styles.
8. Create a healing environment for the physical and spiritual self which respects human dignity.
9. Assist with basic physical, emotional and spiritual human needs.
10. Open to mystery and allow miracles to enter.