Taking care as a relationship: a phenomenological view

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Care
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Understanding the student nurse experience in isolation settings is crucial.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital for patient care.
• Isolation wards present unique challenges for healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze nursing students' perceptions of caring for patients in isolation.
• To explore the role of communication and interpersonal relationships in this context.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing individual interviews.
• 18 nursing students participated.
• Existential phenomenology was the analytical framework.

Main Results:

• Students experienced anxiety but demonstrated willingness to provide care.
• Relational perspective highlighted overcoming obstacles in patient interaction.
• Involvement and connection were key themes in student experiences.

Conclusions:

• Caring in isolation involves navigating emotional challenges.
• Developing strong communication fosters deeper patient engagement.
• Student nurses' willingness to connect is central to effective isolation care.