Human connection is at the heart of the nursing approach at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) – in addition to expert clinical care, the relationship-based care provided lets each patient know that who they are is important. From primary care practices to state-of-the-art neuroscience units, BWH nurses are using Human Caring Theory to create and sustain a caring, healing, healthy and inclusive environment.
This theory-informed philosophy promotes a deep sense of caring that is critical to BWH’s mission that every patient feel known, safe and cared for. Caritas coaches, nurses with advanced training in Human Caring Theory, are positioned throughout BWH. Compassionate care is delivered with an understanding of each patient’s physical, psychological, mental and spiritual needs.
Incorporation of evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies allows the provision of a wider breadth and depth of services to meet individual needs. Services offered includes Reiki, music therapy, acupressure, pet therapies and heart math – an innovative and scientific approach to reducing stress and promoting physiologic well-being. The art and science of nursing at BWH is achieved through an integration of the heart and mind, with nurses serving as an extension of the caring and healing environment.
