Effect of Applying Watson's Model Theory on the Care Behaviors of Nurses in Pediatric Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Nursing care of children should be tailored towards helping them make the necessary adjustment needed for hospital care. The aim of this study was to evaluate to evaluate the effect of applying Watson’s model theory on the care behaviors of nurses in pediatric intensive care units A Quasi- experimental research design was used. The study was conducted at Pediatric Intensive Care Units of Tanta Main University Hospital and El-Menshawy General Hospital. Convenient sample of 60 nurses were involved, from previously mentioned settings. Tools: Socio- demographic characteristic and structured interviewing, Caring Behavior Assessment Scale (CBAS) and Barriers facing nurses related to caring behavior Observational check list. Results show a significance improvement on the care behaviors of nurses in pediatric intensive care units after the program implementation. Conclusion: all nurses showed an improvement in their caring behavior for children after implementation of Watson Caring theory. Recommendation: ongoing in-service education programs must be designed and implemented to nurses for all health care settings to improve their caring behavior.