Portuguese Network of Nursing Science for Human Care: A report on a collaborative experience with the Watson Caring Science Institute
Published 2025-12-04
Keywords
- Scientific Network; Nursing; Humanized Care; Evidence-Based Practice; Science and Development; Experience Report
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2025 Paula Diogo, Irene Santos, Emília Coutinho, Maria do Rosário Martins, Maria da Luz Rosa, Tânia Almeida, Luíza Rodrigues, Patrícia Baltar, António Pereira, Miguel Cruz
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
The Portuguese Network of Nursing Science for Human Care, the official representative in Portugal of the Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI) and affiliated with the Latin-Ibero-American branch (WCSI LIA), was established in March 2021 with the goal of promoting and disseminating the development of the Nursing Science. This working group is particularly concerned with the contemporary state of nursing praxis within the scope of humanized, holistic, and integral care, and with the necessary foundation of nursing research on its own body of knowledge. This paper presents a report on the experience of this international outreach and exchange project, covering its activities from March 2021 to December 2024. This project represents a space for collective construction among 12 countries representing the WCSI, whose director is the prominent nursing theorist Jean Watson. We aim to describe the creation process of the Portuguese Network of Nursing Science for Human Care, its development, and the joint activities carried out with groups from various countries; to share the experience of the nurses who form the network; and to reflect on its dynamics and the strengthening of collaborative spaces in light of current and future challenges.
Its productivity is significant at both national and international levels, with the organization of in-person and online scientific events. However, it is important to diversify activities to include Reflection & Healing groups, Journal Clubs, and a new Workshop Series, as well as to develop a research study on the contribution of Jean Watson’s theoretical framework in Portuguese doctoral theses. The implementation of the Caritas Coach® Education Program in Portuguese, organized by the WCSI, is also anticipated. The Network’s main vision is to be transformative, and we will continue to disseminate knowledge throughout mainland Portugal, the islands, and Latin-Ibero-American countries.
In conclusion, since its foundation, the REDE PT has grounded its work on the universal values of the Processes of Clinical Caritas Veritas, within a collaborative environment that supports the development of nursing and is based on the Science of Unitary Caring.