Nurses' Experience of Body Nursing Care: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Phenomenology
• Embodiment Studies

Background:

• Nursing practice centers on patients' embodied experiences of illness and disability.
• Existing international nursing research on body care is predominantly theoretical, with limited empirical data.
• Understanding nurses' perspectives on the role of bodies in care is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe registered nurses' perceptions of their own bodies and patients' bodies in the context of nursing care.
• To explore the significance of embodiment in the nurse-patient relationship.
• To contribute empirical data to the under-researched area of body care in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive phenomenological study utilizing Husserl's philosophical perspective.
• Purposive sampling of 11 Italian registered nurses with diverse experience and specialties.
• Data collection through open-ended interviews analyzed using Giorgi's method; Lincoln and Guba's strategies ensured trustworthiness.

Main Results:

• An overarching theme: 'Body care is the heart of nursing.'
• Four major themes emerged: 'Body care encompasses the essence of person,' 'Body care touches the heart of person,' 'The body generates opposite strategies of care,' and 'In time, the body nourishes the helping relationship.'
• Nurses view body and embodiment as central to nursing, highlighting the emotional depth and discovery of human nature in body care.

Conclusions:

• Body care is fundamental to nursing, deeply intertwined with the patient's holistic experience and personhood.
• Embodiment plays a critical role in shaping nursing practice and the therapeutic alliance.
• This study underscores the emotional richness and essential human insights gained through direct patient body care.