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Humility and its practice in nursing.
1European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, 5th Floor, Duke of Kent Building, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7TE, UK. k.de-vries@surrey.ac.uk
Nursing Ethics
|December 16, 2004
Summary
Nurses washing terminally ill patients' feet experienced profound interconnectedness and personal transformation. This act of humility extended beyond their duty of care, fostering deeper patient relationships and highlighting the therapeutic potential of compassionate touch.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Patient Care
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- The act of washing a patient's feet can be a deeply personal and transformative experience for healthcare providers.
- Understanding the subjective experiences of nurses performing this intimate task is crucial for enhancing compassionate care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of postregistration student nurses who washed the feet of terminally ill patients.
- To investigate the emotional and relational impact of foot washing on nurses.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory qualitative study design was employed.
- Seven postregistration student nurses participated in the study.
- Data were collected through semi-structured interviews analyzed using heuristic inquiry.
Main Results:
- Nurses reported experiencing a sense of interconnectedness with patients.
- The act of foot washing led to perceived changes in the nurse-patient relationship.
- Participants described the experience as an act of humility, extending beyond standard nursing duties.
Conclusions:
- Washing patients' feet can be a practice that transcends the traditional definition of nursing duty of care.
- This intimate act can foster profound emotional and relational experiences for nurses, promoting a deeper sense of connection and humility.
- The findings suggest that incorporating such practices could enhance the therapeutic relationship in palliative care settings.