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Nurses’ emotions on care relationship: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
FontJimenez Isabel,
OrtegaSanz Laura,
AcebedoUridales Maria Sagrario,
AguaronGarcia Maria Jesus,
deMolinaFernández Inmaculada,
JiménezHerrera Maria F.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12934
Subject(s) - feeling , nursing , competence (human resources) , coping (psychology) , psychology , distress , qualitative research , emotion work , nurse–client relationship , content analysis , nursing management , medicine , social psychology , clinical psychology , social science , sociology
Aims To describe nurses’ experiences regarding the care relationship built with medical–surgical patients in acute hospitalization units and the association with their clinical practice. Background Nurses’ commitment to care and their relationships as well are the core of quality of care. Nurses consider that the emotional commitment is essential to the profession, thus accepting to be exposed to emotional distress. Methods In‐depth interviews were conducted to explore the experience of 23 nurses from seven Spanish hospitals. Taped interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to inductive content analysis. Results Six subcategories emerged from the data analysis: Fulfilling experiences, Feeling the pain of others, Emotional distress, Stepping back, Seeking professional support, and Evolution of emotions, which were combined in two main categories: Nurses’ emotions and Nurses’ coping strategies. Patient's suffering, work environment and interprofessional relations influence the care relationship. Conclusions Positive and negative emotions emerge spontaneously in professional relationships of experienced nurses. Lack of time and high workloads are factors that hinder the nurse–patient relationship. This care relationship is often the reason that fulfils them. Despite their level of expertise and having coping strategies, these are not always effective and, sometimes, nurses need professional help. Implications for Nursing Management Nurses will continue performing their job with commitment; therefore, nursing managers should take care of their staff and pay attention to the emotional competence related to patients’ relationships. Promoting self‐care and a good working environment could improve their coping mechanisms.