Science and Soul is a one-of-a-kind immersive summit demonstrating how the transformative Caring Science theory moves from philosophy into real-world clinical practice. Activities and learning blend clinical science with the human side of care, giving participants modalities they can apply in their own practice.
As an expansion of the annual Watson Caring Science Institute annual Caritas Community Conference, Science and Soul brings together nurses, advanced practice providers, educators and health care leaders from around the world to an experiential event that blends evidence, reflection and practice-based learning to strengthen human-centered care.
Featuring renowned Caring Science founder and leader Jean Watson as keynote, the summit offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with global faculty, Caritas Coaches and interdisciplinary experts in experiential sessions, dialogue and community learning.
What Makes This Summit Different
- A unique integration of science, spirituality and clinical practice
- Experiential Caritas sessions led by international faculty
- Interprofessional collaboration with nursing, psychology and divinity perspectives
- Presentations from the Caring Science community, with participants from all levels—from students to practitioners
- Reflective practices designed to support clinician resilience and meaning in work
Summit Highlights
- Science and Soul keynote collaborations with Vanderbilt partners
- Student and Caritas Coach presentations
- Experiential breakout sessions applying Caring Science modalities
- Curriculum and nurse residency praxis discussions
- Simulation tours and immersive learning opportunities
Plus
- Opening ceremonies honoring place and community
- Closing reflections and book signing with Caring Science authors
Sessions are designed for those seeking deeper connection between evidence-based practice and the human experience of care. Science and Soul focuses on translating evidence into meaningful action while grounding that work in reflection, purpose and the authentic experience of caring for patients.
Who Should Attend
- Nurses and advanced practice clinicians
- Nurse educators and faculty
- Health care leaders and system innovators
- Interprofessional clinicians interested in Caring Science
- Anyone with interest in Caring Science is welcome
About Caring Science and Jean Watson
Keynote speaker Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, is a nurse theorist who developed the Theory of Human Caring and the Watson Caring Science Institute. Her pioneering work reframed nursing as more than task-based clinical care, positioning it as a moral, relational and human-to-human practice grounded in compassion.
Caring Science is the philosophical and ethical foundation of her theory. It emphasizes intentional presence, authentic connection and whole-person care, and the integration of mind, body and spirit. The framework supports healing environments, strengthens clinician-patient relationships, and reinforces the role of compassion as a core clinical competency rather than a “soft” skill.
Travel & Housing
Join Watson Caring Science and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville for a powerful and innovative conference you won’t want to miss.
Travel to the United States
Most international visitors traveling to a summit in the U.S. are required to obtain a business visa. Plan to prepare required documentation, pay applicable fees and submit your application several weeks to months in advance. Processing times vary.
Some participating countries are eligible to enter without a visa.
For the most current information on visas and travel to the United States, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/business.html
Travel to Nashville
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is served by dozens of domestic and international airlines offering more than 100 non-stop flight destinations and connections to hundreds of cities across the United States and around the globe. BNA is located just 9 miles from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Travel time typically ranges from 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. BNA is served by taxi, some hotel shuttles and ride shares.
Summit/Institute Location
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
615-322-4400
Parking is at a premium near Vanderbilt School of Nursing. We recommend you park at your hotel and use a shuttle or ride share to the school. If you need to park on campus, parking is available at a pay garage, the Wesley Place Garage located at 1921 Scarritt Place, about a 5-minute walk to the school.
Summit/Institute Hotels
For your convenience, we have established hotel room blocks at three neighboring hotels. All hotels are within walking distance to VUSN.
Attendees may use the booking link to reserve a room. Reservations need to be made by October 20, 2026.
- Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt
2400 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
615-340-8000
Room Rate $199.00 per night plus taxesBooking Link
- Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt (Dwtn)
2613 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203Room Rate: $159.00 per night plus taxes
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel
2021 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Room Rate: $245.00 per night plus taxesBooking Link
Unforgettable Nashville
Come to the heart of the American South and experience Nashville’s vibrant music scene, rich history, Southern hospitality and diverse blend of culture, cuisine and entertainment. Nashville consistently ranks high on lists of the best places to live and work in the U.S. Nursing professionals take note: Nashville is recognized as one of the world’s most vibrant health care hubs.
Discover the “It City”
Getting Around
- Ride-shares are a fast and accessible option for travelling around Nashville.
- Traditional taxi services are also available. Most hotels can assist in calling a cab if needed.
- Public transportation is another option. WeGo Transit offers several routes, with a bus stop located directly in front of the School of Nursing. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes. Fares are $2 per ride and can be paid with exact cash or through the WeGo app.
Enjoy Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt’s historic campus has unequaled natural beauty, making it an oasis nestled in the bustling city of Nashville, Tennessee. Its 340-acre campus is designated as an arboretum with more than 6,000 trees and shrubs in 190 varieties.
The School of Nursing is located between Vanderbilt’s Heard Central Library and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, just off 21st Avenue South.
Explore the interactive campus map
Upcoming Events
Would you like to know more about upcoming events from the Office of External Learning?
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Accreditation Statement (Pending):
Continuing nursing education (CNE) contact hours for this conference are currently being reviewed and are pending approval through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Final determination of awarded contact hours will be communicated to participants prior to the start of the conference.