Producing a caring environment for staff: forging old paradigms

Modern health care has evolved into technological wizardry that defies the traditional concept of caring by the bedside nurse. Industry constraints have created an environment where caring for the patient and employee has become easily discarded in favor of the rigors of technological care. With an aging and diminished work force, nursing leaders must be prepared to create a caring environment where nurses are empowered to deliver the humanitarian as well as technological aspects of caring. From a concept of work redesign that mirrors traditional nursing paradigms, nurses can enrich not only their professional work environment but also deliver the high touch aspect of care in their daily work.