phenomenological study of caring in the nurse-patient relationship: The patient's perspective

This research is a qualitative study using the phenomenological method to gain insight into the meaning of caring for the patient. Many nurse leaders have described caring as the essence of nursing (Benner & Wrubel, 1989,; Leininger, 1981, 1984a, 1988; Watson, 1985a, 1988b). The purpose of the study was to address the meaning of caring from the patient's perspective. The specific phenomenological method used was based on the work of Max van Manen (1984). A purposive sample of 8 adults, 6 women and 2 men, in an acute care setting was selected. An unstructured interview technique was used. Through structured reflection the process of caring emerged as themes. These included: nurse's knowledge, nurse's presence, involvement and commitment. Expressions of caring emerged as subthemes. The subthemes included: decision making, competent clinical skills, nurse's true presence, nurse's availability, accepting, understanding, helping and informing. A model of caring from the patient's perspective was developed.