Caring theory: a framework for advanced practice nursing.

This article provides a brief review of Watson's theory of caring and demonstrates its usefulness as a framework for advanced practice nursing. Two case studies, a recently diagnosed patient who is positive for the human immunodeficiency virus and a patient terminally ill with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are reviewed using the carative factors as a model for providing holistic, patient-focused nursing care. The value of this exercise lies in the demonstration of the applicability of caring theory as a framework for both symptom management and palliative nursing care.