Exceptional nontraditional caring practices of nurses

There has been little research that has addressed the practices of nurses who go beyond the usual scope of practice to demonstrate caring. In this study, a grounded theory methodology was used to interview 18 nurses identified as exceptional caring nurses. The core process identified was giving and involved gifts (particularly of time), responsibility and choice, teaching, vulnerability, preserving dignity, caring with and for coworkers, being truly present, and always finding a way. Although the findings of this study are not necessarily generalizable, it is important to acknowledge that these practices occur and that they should not automatically be discredited. The research has implications for the new emerging field of boundaries in professional relationships.