A model to foster and facilitate trust and trusting relationships in the nursing education context

In the nursing education context, the fostering of trust and establishing trusting relationships are important facets of teaching and learning.

The purpose of the study was to understand trust and trusting relationships in teaching and learning, and to develop a model to foster and facilitate trust and trusting relationships in the nursing education context.

Two nursing education institutions were purposively sampled that offered a comprehensive programme in nursing.

A grounded theory study was conducted with the aim to develop a model for trust and trusting relationships in teaching and learning. Purposive, convenience and theoretical sampling of participants were applied. The sample size consisted of 5 educators and 23 students at a university and 9 educators and 37 students at a public nursing education institution. Charmaz's methods were used for the data analysis. Collection and analysis of data were conducted concurrently.

Data of views from the educators and students on trust were synthesised. Themes identified were: professional relations, expectations of the role players in nursing education, creating a conducive teaching and learning context, and outcomes of lack of trust. From the findings, a substantive model to foster and facilitate trust and trusting relationships in nursing education was developed.

The study contributed to understanding trust in nursing education. Recommendations focus on fostering and facilitating self-trust and trusting relationships and also on how the model could be implemented in nursing education.

Fostering and facilitating trust and trusting relationships in the nursing education context will enhance a trusting culture and contribute to the quality of teaching and learning.