Staff nurse perceptions of a healing environment

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Environment Studies
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Holistic nursing emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
• The healthcare environment significantly impacts patient and staff well-being.
• Understanding the components of a healing environment is crucial for supporting holistic care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify staff nurses' perceptions of a healing environment.
• To explore characteristics of a healing environment that facilitate holistic nursing practice.
• To understand the core essences of a supportive healthcare setting.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach utilizing multiple interview methods.
• In-depth interviews with a sample of staff nurses.
• Thematic analysis to identify key perceptions and essences.

Main Results:

• The study identified three core essences of a healing environment: context, connections, and calling.
• Context refers to the physical and psychosocial setting.
• Connections encompass relationships and community, while calling relates to a sense of purpose.

Conclusions:

• A healing environment is characterized by supportive context, strong interpersonal connections, and a sense of purpose.
• These elements are vital for enabling staff nurses to practice holistic nursing effectively.
• Implications for healthcare design and practice development are suggested.