Giving voice to the less articulated knowledge of palliative nursing: an interpretative study

This article details a study that was undertaken in order to give voice and thereby increase understanding of the less articulated knowledge used in practice by palliative care nurses. An additional aim was to explore perceived influences on the development of these nurses. A hermeneutic approach was used to explore the lived experiences of seven nurses who had worked in the field for more than 2 years. The themes that emerged from analysis of the data were: knowing the bigger picture, time (movement and measure), ethical dimensions, knowing and minding yourself, the 'just' and 'simply' of practice, the embodiment of being with unseen tutors. Recommendations relating to the need for further research, practice setting and palliative education are suggested from the findings of the study.