Caring is emerging as an important concept for the nursing profession especially within the perioperative arena (Bickler, 1994; McNamara, 1995; Rawnsley, 1990). The purposes of this study were to investigate: (a) the relationship between perioperative nurse associates' values and caring behaviors; and (b) the relationship between perioperative nurse associates' perceptions of own demonstrated caring behaviors to demonstrated caring behaviors of nurse managers.The study was based upon Watson's (1985) model of Human Caring. The instruments used were Staub's (1989) Values Questionnaire and Nkongho's (1990) Caring Ability Inventory. A demographic profile of study participants was obtained. The population included all nurses (48,000) who were members of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN). The sample consisted of 300 randomly selected non-managerial perioperative nurse associates obtained from the membership list of AORN.A cover letter explaining the study along with a demographic questionnaire and three survey instruments were mailed to the 300 perioperative associates at their home address. The surveys were returned to the investigator by mail in a furnished self-addressed stamped envelope (n=96). Procedures for human subject protection were followed.A descriptive correlation design and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Perioperative nurses identified three recurring themes as suggestions for incorporating caring behaviors by nurse managers; (a) improved communication skills; (b) increased accessibility; and (c) empowerment of nurses. Findings showed a moderately positive and significant relationship between values and caring behaviors supporting Watson's Theory of Human Care (1985). Results showed no relationship of caring behaviors between nurse associates and nurse managers. However, the data did reveal that nurse associates perceived themselves as more caring than the nurse managers. / School of Nursing

The purpose of this study was to examine registered nurses' attitudes toward caring. The instrument used to measure nurses' attitudes was the Nyberg Caring Assessment Scale. The tool consists of a set of twenty statements asked four times to establish: a) ideal caring; b) actual caring; c) supervisor caring; and d) caring five years ago. A convenience sample of sixty three registered nurses from one midwestern hospital was used for this study. The surveyed registered nurses exhibited positive attitudes toward caring in today's cost containment healthcare system. There were significant correlation coefficients among the four sub-scales of caring. Results of this study have implications for nursing practice and nursing education. / School of Nursing

D.Cur. / Science practice in nursing is a meta-practical activity which aims in the first place at a specific aspect of reality.The science practitioner in nursing reaches a better understanding of the nursing practice through description and explanation. From a contextual-functional approach it is the aim of science practice in nursing to provide the nursing practice with action-orientated prescriptions. Secondly, specific values and assumptions form an integral part of science practice. A definite connection exists between the empirical reality and the assumptions (transcendental aspect). The process of science practice requires a conceptual framework or model. The aim of the research is to describe a model for science practice for nursing from a transcendental-empirical point of view. In order to reach this aim nursing was explored on first (reality), second (science methodology) and third (philosophy) order, with a description of the relationship between these three orders. The conditions for science practice in nursing were set in accordance with this relationship, and a model for science practice was consequently described. Science practice cannot be generalised since the object of study comprises characteristics which make specific demands on science practice. The inter-personal relations consistency, the purposefuland intentional character, context and value consistency, as well as the dynamic multi- dimentional character of nursing interaction are basic characteristics of the nursing practice and they have to be acknowledqed in science practice. in nursing. The nursing practitioner constitutes the nursing practice. The practitioner forms so-called pre-scientific interpretations about the nursing practice which the science practitioner must keep in mind. The research methodologist focuses primarily on the decisions relating to the research design. With the steps of decision-making in the research process the science practitioner has to justify himself regarding the so-called determinants of research. The assumptions which are selected from the third order for science practice form one of the so-called determinants of research and has to be in line with the basic characteristics of the nursing practice. These assumptions, to a greater or lesser extent, influence the decision-making steps. Research can focus on first order phenomena (nursing reality) or second order phenomena (constructs of research).

No description available.

Bibliography: leaves 226-236. / xiii, 236 leaves, 1 leaf of plate : [1] col ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / A study which examines the healing experiences of a group of people from a Victorian Community devastated by the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire. Using a theoretical framework of constructionism the study identifies amongst those interviewed an 'ecological postmodern cosmology.' This is used to formulate ideas about how this cosmology could inform nurses' work enabling them to create an environment of care and compassion. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Clinical Nursing, 1996

D.Cur. (Professional Nursing) / The purpose of this study is to develop a model for effective management of grievances in nursing services, and to describe guidelines for its utilisation in nursing services. This will enable managers to facilitate labour peace in nursing services. From the research of Potgieter (1992) regarding management of grievances by nurse managers, a model case is synthesized. The essential concepts are identified, defined and the relationships between the concepts described in statements. The survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:423) gives the structure to the model and the agent, recipient, process, dynamics and goal are described within the context of nursing services. A graphic picture of the model follows as well as the description of the process. Guidelines for application in practice are finalised after evaluation by nurses in practice as well as an industrial relations consultant. The final model follows the feedback after evaluation by the above-mentioned. The model is evaluated in practice using observation, interviewing and an instrument measuring the essential concepts as identified in the model. The findings are described in a case study.

Thesis--Ed. D. Columbia University Teachers College, Health Sciences, nursing, 1975. / Includes bibliographical references.

There is scientific evidence that the spiritual well-being of a person can influence the quality of life lived and the general responses to life's crises of illness, pain, suffering and even death (Ross, 1994). The problem that was identified in this study was the absence of an explicit description or the phenomena of spirituality and spiritual care in nursing within a South African context. Concept clarification was imperative ifnurses, patients/clients in South Africa were to realize spirituality and spiritual care within a broader context of holistic nursing. The purpose of the study was to conceptualize the phenomena of spirituality and spiritual care from the perspectives of nurses and patients/clients with an aim of generating a middle range theory of spiritual care in nursing that explained the phenomena by utilizing data that were grounded in the participants' experiences. A qualitative mode of inquiry using a grounded theory method was applied. A sample of 56 participants composed of 40 nurses, 14 patients and 2 relatives of patients was recruited by theoretical sampling procedure from two hospitals, and one hospice settings. Data were collected by utilizing focus groups interviews followed by one to one in depth interviews and observations. An audio tape recorder was used to record the conversation, field notes and memos were also kept to strengthen the data, and to ensure trustworthiness. Data were collected and analyzed simultaneously. A software called Nvivo was used to code data into different levels of coding. The results were rich descriptions of the phenomena in question and a development of a theoretical model for spiritual care. The concept of spirituality was described as a unique individual quest for a transcendent relationship by establishing and maintaining a dynamic relationship with self, others and with God as understood by the person. The ability to establish and maintain a meaningful transcendent relationship seemed to be related to the person's beliefs, faith or trust. 99% of the participants expressed their quest for a transcendent relationship through organized religion while I % claimed to have their spiritual fulfilment outside an organized religion. The phenomena of spirituality and spiritual care were conceptualized as occurring in phases which begin with a comfortable zone, trigge r-response and spiritual caring. The nurses role in spiritual care was perceived as based upon the principles of ubuntu. compassion for human suffering and pain and acceptance of a patient/client as a unique being. Nurses carried their spiritual care roles by accompanying, helping, presencing, valuing and intercessory roles. The outcomes of spiritual care were cited as hope, inner peace, finding meaning and purpose in life, illness, and in death. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

Caring has been linked with the practice of nursing throughout history. As modern nursing strives to establish itself as a profession of caring, the need to identify the basic components of caring and how caring components are learned or transmitted has evolved. The purpose of this study was to determine if caring attitudes and behaviors were learned during the vocational educational process.Madeline Leininger's theory of caring provided the theoretical framework for this study. A comparative descriptive research design was employed. The Caring Ability Inventory (Nkongho, 1990) was used to assess a baseline for student caring and to determine any changes in the caring ability over time. The Nursing Clinical Teacher Effectiveness Inventory (Knox & Mogan, 1985) was used to establish student and faculty perceptions of caring attitudes and behaviors in the nursing faculty. A curriculum survey designed by Slevin and Harter (1987) was used to examine the nursing curriculum for various aspects of caring. Demographic data sheets were completed by students and faculty.Descriptive and multivariant statistics were used to analyze the data. The sample consisted of basic and advanced level nursing students (N = 142) and full time nursing faculty (N = 12) in a midwestern vocational nursing program. The results indicated that caring behaviors were not significantly changed during the program Faculty rated utilization of caring behaviors higher than did the students, particularly behaviors related to student evaluation. Faculty had difficulty identifying caring theory, caring concepts, and methods of teaching caring to students. The conclusion was that faculty lacked sufficient information about caring to effectively utilize the concept in curriculum presentation. / School of Nursing

The purpose of this Heideggerian phenomenological study was to identify the meaning of caring as taught by nursing faculty in nursing education. Eight participants were interviewed and asked to describe an experience with students in which they felt caring occurred. Consistent with the method, purposive sampling was used in order to obtain an understanding from those who have lived the experience of caring and could articulate their experiences. Nursing faculty who were known by the researcher and who had lived the experience of caring with students were asked to be participants. Interviews were audio taped and the data were transcribed by the researcher. Audio tapes were destroyed when the study was completed. Transcribed data were shared with other researchers who were familiar with Heideggerian phenomenology and hermeneutics for the purpose of gaining insight into interpretations. When data were shared, names of participants and other identifying information were removed. Sharing of data for the purpose of interpretation is inherent in the Heideggerian method as described by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989). Participants were guaranteed confidentiality and were free to withdraw from the study without prejudice at any time. Prior to data collection, this study was reviewed by the Institutional Review Board, Ball State University, for approval for human subjects' protection. Data were analyzed in seven stages as described by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989).The overall constituted pattern which emerged throughout the study was, "Caring is growing and discovering through giving of self." Along with this constituted pattern of caring, the following themes came through as well: "Caring as Trustworthiness", "Caring as Honesty", "Caring as Knowledge", and "Caring as Acceptance." Both the constituted pattern and the themes identified were validated by the nurse educators interviewed. / School of Nursing