Watson's theory of caring: a model for implementation in practice.

Jean Watson's theory of human caring in nursing is introduced as an innovative approach to improving care for residents in a special dementia unit. The rationale for theory-based nursing practice includes implementation projects of caring theory that have increased job satisfaction among staff, shortened hospital length of stay, and reduced health care costs. Specific examples of ways that Watson's model can be applied in typical nurse-client situations are presented. Implementation strategies with creative visual aids are included, and research tools for the evaluation of outcomes are described.