Caring Tree Metaphor
Caring is like the rain that falls, permeates the ground, gives life to the tree and is part of the whole.
Caring is like the sap that flows through all parts of the tree.
The trunk is the growth that results from education...the more education, the more growth (growth rings).
The nest is where the patient (client) sometimes is. The nest is occupied for periods of time. The objective is to care for the occupant so that they are able to fly away on their own.
The nest is lined with care.
The nest is constructed with parts of the tree or nursing.
The branches of the tree are aspects of nursing. Although some branches may seem far away from the nest, they support and surround it. Some branches may not be see because of the point of view.
There are many aspects and paths in nursing.
The tree continues to grow and develop.
The tree changes according to the seasons.
Sometimes it is difficult to see the structure of the tree.
At first the beginning student might see only the shape. After careful study, the detailed branches can be seen and recognized.
The tree is nourished by caring, education and the environment in which it grows.
Although caring is an essential part of nursing, sunshine also plays an important part.
There are trees of many kinds, with varied shapes, in diverse situations and found in different countries.
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Leads to Caring
I. Climate for Caring
II. Theories and Knowledge of Caring
III. Recognition of Caring
IV. Motivation to Care
V. Actions of Caring
VI. Evaluation of Caring
VII. Promotion of Cari
Mary Ellen Kitundu, MEd, RN
Assistant Professor
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota 55987
Janet Kraabel, MS, RN
Assistant Professor
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa 52101
A Way of Organizing Content into a Caring Paradigm
Caring can be confusing for students to understand since it can be a verb, noun, or an adjective. The Caring Tree is one way of visualizing caring by organizing concepts and content around the idea of caring.
We look at caring as being an attribute that infuses every aspect of nursing and education. See the Caring Tree Metaphor for an elaboration of this paradigm.
The Caring Tree is flexible for changing curricula. By rearranging the branches, concepts may be added or eliminated, emphasized or subsumed.
This handout includes a diagram of a Caring Tree including a cross section of the trunk representing systems; the Caring Tree Metaphor; and an additional idea for measuring caring (Leads to Caring).
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