Perioperative Nurses' Perceptions of Caring Practices

Abstract

This study was designed to determine how caring is practiced in perioperative nursing. The theory of nursing by M. Jean Watson, RN, PhD, FAAN, provided the conceptual framework for the study. The researcher used a qualitative, descriptive methodology to analyze data collected in audiotaped interviews with five perioperative nurses and used standard qualitative research procedures for transcribing and analyzing the interview data. The five study participants identified their perceptions of caring behaviors with conscious and unconscious patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. They described the essential structure of caring as the establishment of a human care relationship and provision of a supportive, protective, and/or corrective psychological, physical, and spiritual environment.

Qualitative Comparison and Synthesis of Nursing Presence and Caring

“…Foundational values such as respect for individual differences undergird nursing presence and caring. Recipients’ unique bio‐psychosocial‐cultural and spiritual differences are taken into consideration (Duis‐Nittsche, 2002; Euswas, 1993; Osterman, 2002; Sadler, 2000), and each individual is viewed through a lens of unconditional positive regard and respect (Clayton et al., 1991; Gilje, 1993; McNamara, 1995; Pettigrew, 1988). In general, there is a commitment to help (Miller & Douglas, 1998; Wros, 1994) in a respectful and nonjudgmental manner regardless of the circumstances (McNamara; Wilson, 1986).…”

“…; Gilje). In most cases, close physical proximity is the assumed and preferred context for presence and caring (Duis‐Nittsche, 2002; Fuller; McNamara, 1995; Propst et al., 1994); however, there are instances in which presence has been enacted via teleconsultations (Savenstedt, Zingmark, & Sandman, 2004) or through prayer (Pettigrew, 1988).…”

Nurses’ stories about their interactions with patients at the Holy Family Hospital, Techiman, Ghana

“…According to Irurita [12], an effective nurse-client relationship was considered to be central to quality nursing and this required time. McNamara [13] supported clients' needs had to be met, whether they were conscious or unconscious. The nurses in her study described the essential structure of caring as the establishment of a human care relationship and provision of needs of clients.…”

Core Curriculum for Plastic Surgical Nursing

“…There are numerous caring interventions that the nurse can practice to facilitate optimal psychological functioning in the plastic surgical patient (McNamara, 1995). Peri-operative nursing is often viewed as being technically centered.…”