Creative literature: an aid to nursing practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Humanities
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The nursing experience is complex and multifaceted.
• Understanding the humanistic aspects of nursing is crucial for holistic care.
• Literature offers a unique lens through which to explore lived experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate how literature can deepen the understanding of the nursing experience.
• To identify and illustrate key themes within the nursing experience through literary analysis.
• To explore the impact of imagination, ways of knowing, and the search for meaning on health and illness.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of literary works.
• Identification of recurring themes related to the nursing experience.
• Illustrative examples from literature to support thematic findings.

Main Results:

• Seven significant themes affecting the nursing experience were identified.
• Literature effectively illustrates abstract concepts such as imagination and the search for meaning.
• The study highlights the connection between literary representation and the human experience of health and illness.

Conclusions:

• Literature serves as a valuable tool for enhancing the comprehension of the nursing experience.
• Exploring literary themes provides profound insights into the human condition within healthcare.
• The integration of humanities deepens the understanding of nursing practice and patient well-being.