Welch, Dianne (2001) A Heideggerian phenomenological study of nurses' experience of presence. Research Master thesis, Victoria University of Technology.

Abstract

Nursing brings together two persons' worlds, one being that of the nurse and the other of the patient. Their worlds embody past experiences, expectations, limitations and potential. Nurse theorists have described this bringing together as an intersecting intersubjectivity or presence. This Heideggerian phenomenological study enabled the researcher to explore six registered nurses' meaning of presence as experienced within their clinical practice. These registered nurses were all clinicians with extensive experience in a variety of clinical settings. A hermeneutical analysis of their experiences revealed that presence is a powerful intersecting of nurses' and patients' subjective worlds. Presence, according to these nurses, was an enriching experience within nursing practice that provided them with immense professional satisfaction. It was from the spiritual connectedness of care that their need to care for and be with patients in meaningful interactions was fulfilled. Despite the difficulties these participants encountered, their commitment to care and need to find meaning in their practice motivated them to transcend these encumbrances and connect with patients in deep meaningful ways. This study recommends strategies be implemented within nursing to acknowledge these experiences, and for nurses to create times and space to share these subjective experiences.

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login