Making the invisible visible – operating theatre nurses’ perceptions of caring in perioperative practice

The aim of this study was to describe operating theatre nurses’ ( OTN s’) perceptions of caring in perioperative practice. A qualitative descriptive design was performed. Data were collected with interviews were carried out with fifteen strategically selected operating theatre nurses from different operating theatres in the middle of Sweden. A phenomenographic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The findings show that operating theatre nurses’ perceptions of caring in perioperative practice can be summarised in one main category: To follow the patient all the way. Two descriptive categories emerged: To ensure continuity of patient care and keeping a watchful eye. The operating theatre nurses got to know the patient and as a result became responsible for the patient. They protected the patient's body and preserved patient dignity in perioperative practice. The findings show different aspects of caring in perioperative practice. OTN s wanted to be more involved in patient care and follow the patient throughout the perioperative nursing process. Although OTN s have the ambition to make the care in perioperative practice visible, there is today a medical technical approach which promotes OTN s continuing to offer care in secret.