Nurses' and students' perceptions of care: a phenomenological study

This article describes a phenomenological study that aimed to explore 15 nurses' and six nursing students' attitudes towards care and caring. Using a qualitative approach, their lived, expressed experiences were documented from tape-recorded interviews. Significant statements were collected and arranged into themes, with examples from the transcripts providing an insight into the nurses' beliefs and feelings. The findings and attitudes expressed underline and reinforce the complexity of the phenomenon of caring. Certain findings are consistent with those in the literature, but the study shows new insights on two themes--'taking risks' and 'supporting care'. The author suggests that the findings have implications for nurse tutors, and that care and caring should be placed at the centre of the nursing curriculum.