Significant relationships: nurses caring for adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Nurses in this study manage the challenges of meeting the unique needs of adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) by fostering 'significant relationships' with them. These relationships are characterised by friendship, reciprocity, choice, involvement and 'being there'; while shared histories, dealing with a protracted illness trajectory, and nursing within a chronic/terminal dichotomy emerge as the contextual aspects. The relationships are perceived as beneficial and mutually rewarding. However, such implications as the line between professional and personal involvement, the adolescents' vulnerability and the resources and support needs of nurses must be considered.