| This week, I would like to invite you to join me in reflecting on and celebrating the remarkable strides we have made in integrating Caring Science at Stanford Health Care (SHC). Our commitment to Watson’s Caring Science theory has transformed our nursing practice into a discipline and profession guided by compassion, empathy, and humanistic values. SHC Pride Caritas 2019 |
| Since 2013, we have embarked on a purposeful journey to infuse Watson’s Caring Science theory into every aspect of our organization. By embracing core concepts such as the Ten Caritas Processes®, we have witnessed the widespread adoption and integration of these principles across administrative, operational, and clinical domains. Our dedication to this transformative philosophy is evident in our organizational mission and Professional Practice Model, where the principles of Watson Caring Science nursing philosophy and ethics are deeply embedded. I am delighted to share that in June 2022, Stanford Health Care was designated as a Distinguished Watson Caring Science Affiliate by Dr. Jean Watson herself. This prestigious recognition celebrates our extensive proliferation of Caring Science throughout our organization, aligning our mission, goals, and values with the tenets of Watson’s theory. Through the creation of new system-wide, intellectual, and aesthetic Caritas educational programs, including an interdisciplinary staff-wide curriculum for Caritas Nurse® and Caritas Partner™, we have actively promoted a culture of Caritas Consciousness. Our commitment to caring extends beyond our own institution as we proudly serve as sponsors of the International Caritas Consortium. |
 In collaboration with the Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI), our Center for Education and Professional Development (CEPD) introduced the Caritas Humanistic Care Certificate Program in 2021. This interprofessional course, consisting of five modules, offers staff members at all levels the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Watson Caring Science as a theoretical and philosophical foundation for personal and professional growth. Through interactive online instruction, virtual small group work, one-to-one coaching relationships with dedicated Caritas Coaches®, and the completion of a self-defined project, participants learn to integrate Watson Caring Science principles into their practice and enhance their self-care. |
 As we reflect on our progress, it is humbling to note that we currently have 25 Caritas Coaches®, 45 Caritas Nurses®, and 17 Caritas Partners™ within our organization. During our recent Caring Grand Rounds, held as part of SHC’s nurses’ appreciation week, we had the privilege of showcasing Stanford’s Caring Science integration journey, presentation led by Gisso M. Oreo, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, Caritas Coach®. Additionally, we celebrated the inspiring Caring Science projects presented by Teresa Garcia, Caritas Partner (“Enhancing Self-Love“), Angela Christensen BSN, RN, OCN, Caritas Nurse® (“A Caritas Heartist Project“), and Anna Chico Cornel, MBAHM, BSN, RN, PHN, HNB-BC, Caritas Coach® (“Addressing Mental Health—A Holistic Introspective Journey Combining Caring Science and Therapy“). The event was further enriched by 12 poster presentations from our dedicated Caritas Coaches®, Caritas Nurses®, and Caritas Partners™, demonstrating the profound impact of Caring Science on our practice and culture of excellence. |
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| Lastly, I thank all of our SHC interprofessionals for their unwavering dedication to creating a community of compassionate, human-centered professionals. These collective efforts have transformed our organization into an environment that embraces empathy and supports the well-being of our patients, our community, and one another. Through a commitment to compassionate care, we are shaping a culture where compassion and excellence thrive and makes a lasting impact. |
With respect and admiration,  Dale E. Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Caritas Coach® Chief Nurse Executive / Vice President – Patient Care Services Stanford Medicine Health Care |
SHC Nursing Blog 
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