For Immediate Release
December 2024 — Deerfield Beach, FL: UHealth – University of Miami Health System’s Caritas Council has been awarded Watson Caring Science Institute’s (WCSI) Lotus Recognition™, the 15th organization to receive this honor.
Watson’s Caring Science incorporates the art and science of caring and includes concepts from the fields of philosophy, ethics, ecology and mind-body-spirit medicine. In medicine, it has proven to improve patient care and reduce staff burnout. Lotus Recognition celebrates real-life examples of the values, philosophy and human caring theory guided by Watson's Caring Science.
UHealth Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Elizabeth L. Vieito-Smith, D.N.P., RN, has spearheaded this decade-long cultural transformation of UHealth’s nursing professional practice. Her unwavering commitment to Watson’s Caring Science and advocacy of nursing have resulted in nearly 25 UHealth nurses achieving their Caritas Coach® certification, including Smith herself, further promoting a culture of compassion and excellence.
“This recognition underscores our deep commitment to embedding Watson’s Caring Science into every aspect of patient care and staff well-being,” said Smith. “The Caritas Council has not only fostered a culture of compassion, but also pioneered groundbreaking practices that elevate the well-being of our nurses and health care teams.”
Since the council’s inception in 2022, under the leadership and support of Smith, the UHealth Caritas Council has made significant strides in promoting the 10 Caritas Processes® systemwide. With initiatives like a biannual newsletter highlighting the positive impact of Watson’s Caring Science on nurses, staff and patient care, the council has created a platform for sharing and celebrating these transformative practices. The council also introduced “caring carts” across many of UHealth’s satellite locations, distributing micro-practice bags filled with essential self-care items, such as bath bombs, lotions, essential oils and teas, to promote nurse wellness.
“The UHealth Caritas Council exemplifies leadership in weaving Watson’s Caring Science into the very fabric of their institution,” said Dr. Jean Watson, founder and director of the Watson Caring Science Institute. “Their holistic model for patient care and staff support sets a powerful standard for health care worldwide.”
In an ongoing effort to keep Watson’s Caring Science principles prominent, the council also introduced self-care badge buddies for nurses to promote well-being, as well as Caritas Coach Badge Buddies featuring the Caritas Council Creed. In addition, every Caritas Coach is provided a jacket honoring their contributions and dedication to the Theory of Caring. The council reports on the coaches’ collective efforts to create and promote a “Caring Science” culture in their respective units or departments.
The Caritas Council has recognized UHealth faculty and staff for demonstrating Watson’s Caring Science Theory practices with the Watson Caritas awards across three categories, honoring a registered nurse, an individual and a team from nursing or non-nursing roles. The council continues to foster a “Caring Science” culture, as it works to integrate the 10 Caritas Processes into electronic health records to further improve patient care and outcomes at the bedside.
About UHealth – University of Miami Health System: UHealth – University of Miami Health System delivers leading-edge patient care by top-ranked physicians who treat some of the most complex cases. Powered by the Miller School of Medicine’s ground-breaking research and medical education, UHealth is the region’s only academic-based health care system. With a comprehensive network of nearly 40 outpatient facilities, its flagship hospital in the heart of Miami’s Health District, and more than 1,800 providers across South Florida, UHealth is a vital component of the community that is leading the next generation of health care. UHealth is home to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the No. 1 ranked eye hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the region’s only NCI-designated cancer center, and Desai Sethi Urology Institute, dedicated to urologic research and discovery, and a neurology and neurosurgery program ranked in the top 25 in the nation. These programs along with 100 other specialties make UHealth a trusted destination for compassionate, research-based care. For more information, visit UHealth.
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