Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Humanistic caring, a nursing competency: modelling a metamorphosis from students to accomplished nurses
Dimitri Létourneau1, Johanne Goudreau1, Chantal Cara1
1Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Background:
Most nursing regulatory bodies expect nurses to learn to be humanistic and caring. However, the learning process and the developmental stages of this competency remain poorly documented in the nursing literature.
Methods:
The study used interpretive phenomenology, and 26 participants (students and nurses) were individually interviewed. Benner's (1994) method was adapted and concretised into a five-phase phenomenological analysis to assist with intergroup comparisons.
Results:
Critical milestones and developmental indicators were identified for each of the five stages of the 'humanistic caring' competency. Satisfaction and meaning at work seemed closely connected to the development of 'humanistic caring'. Links emerged between the development of 'humanistic caring' and three other competencies.
Conclusions:
Nurse educators might insist on the fact that 'humanistic caring' goes beyond nurse-patient communication and that it is integrated in nursing care. The findings highlight that nurses' working conditions should be improved in order to uphold humanistic caring after graduation.
Related Concept Videos
Professional Values
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Aims Of Nursing
Nursing Code of Ethics
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Fundamentals of Nursing Process II
