About Us

In Northern California, Dr. Jean Watson’s theory of Human Caring, frequently referred to as Caring Science, informs our nurses’ professional practice and serves as the foundation for caring interactions with patients, families, and others, while nurturing healing caring cultures across the organization.

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About Caring Science

Caring Science connects the nurse, patient, family, and health care team members by elevating caring consciousness and valuing authentic caring human relationships, honoring the very humanity of the patient, family, and others.

This intentional transformative connection is where healing and well-being occur for the patient and the care provider. Nurses flourish and achieve their higher purpose when experiencing transpersonal caring moments within the context of transforming their nursing practice from knowing and doing to being and continually becoming the caring healing environment. Nursing care from this ethical foundation connects us to our professional practice commitment to delivering high-quality, safe patient care that positively influences the patient’s healing, care experience, and optimal clinical outcomes.

Our Mission

The Caring Science Academy at Kaiser Permanente Northern California is dedicated to advancing the practice of nursing through the integration of Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and the 10 Caritas Processes.

As the world’s largest Watson Caring Science Institute affiliate, we are committed to nurturing a culture of caring within our healthcare community. Our mission is to empower nurses to embrace their true purpose, foster transformative healing environments, and continually elevate professional practice.

Through the Nurse Scholars Academy, we offer theory-guided leadership development programs grounded in Caring Science principles, Appreciative Leadership concepts, and collaboration with the Watson Caring Science Institute. Our goal is to inspire and equip nursing professionals to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that upholds the highest standards of excellence.

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