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Humanities-Based Educational Preparation and Empathy in Novice Nurses: Critical Thinking and Analytic Practice
1About the Author Sara B. Adams, PhD, RN, CNE, is an assistant professor, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois. Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FNAP, FAAN, is dean and professor, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Nursing, Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, contact Dr. Adams at adams.sarab@gmail.com .
Nursing Education Perspectives
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Humanities education may support empathy in new nurses. This study explored the link between liberal arts coursework and empathy levels in recent nursing graduates, finding a potential positive association.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Medical Humanities
- Professional Development
Background:
- Empathy is crucial for patient outcomes but declines in nursing students during clinical training.
- Humanities integration in nursing curricula is uncommon but may foster empathy.
- The impact of humanities-based liberal education on nursing empathy post-graduation is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between humanities-based liberal education and empathy.
- To investigate empathy levels in recently graduated, practicing nurses.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative, nonexperimental, descriptive pilot study.
- Surveyed 40 recently graduated, baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
Main Results:
- Data analysis revealed a potential positive correlation between humanities coursework and empathy levels.
- Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Conclusions:
- Humanities-based liberal education may be a valuable component in developing and maintaining professional empathy in nurses.
- Nursing programs could consider incorporating more humanities content to support student empathy.
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