Nursing leaders' and nurses' view of health

This study is part of a scientific project, 'Multidimensional Health', the main goal of which is to introduce a broad view on health into health care and nursing. The purpose of this study is to examine the view of health among nursing leaders and members of caring staff and to compare it to that of patients (a previous study in the project). The study is based on K. Eriksson's theory of caring and its view of the human being with a body, soul and spirit, and health as a dynamic process concerning all aspects of human life. An inquiry form with open questions that brought to the fore various aspects and dimensions of health was filled in by 20 nursing leaders and was used in interviewing 49 nurses. According to the results many aspects of life are contained in the concept 'health'. Health is above all an experience of well-being. Ways of promoting one's health are described in terms of various 'healthy' living habits and preventive measures. A supporting and humane attitude is hoped for in others. There is unanimity that feelings affect health. Belief may have a positive influence on health. The meaning of life is connected with health. Even suffering is part of health. In interpreting the answers we assume three dimensions of health. 'Health as behaviour' connects health with living in a healthy way. 'Health as being' would mean a state of health and is characterized by a search for some kind of balance in one's inner state. 'Health as becoming', growing towards health, means that a person becomes whole on a higher level of integration.