The Understanding of the Concept Caring for Professional Nurses in Windhoek

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the concept caring in nursing as understood by professional nurses. A qualitative approach was used. The study was guided by Swanson’s theory of caring and the philosophical basis was that of constructivism. The population was all professional nurses practicing in private and public hospitals in Windhoek and purposive sampling was used to select the hospitals and participants for the focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used, to analyze the data and involved describing and interpreting data and also assisted in selecting the codes to construct the themes. Analysis of the data were conducted by a step-by-step manner. The results of the study were able to accurately portray the professional nurse’s understanding of the concept caring which included the following themes, being a person who exercised caring during their nursing interventions, with sound interpersonal relations and a person who adheres to the values of the nursing profession. Participants also experienced obstacles regarding the understanding and exercise of caring because of challenges that they face to fulfil their caring duty. It was concluded that the concept of caring is a content specific interpersonal process which is characterized by professional knowledge, skills and interpersonal sensitivity of nurses, which result in the protection, emotional support, and the meeting of all the needs of the patient. The results of the study could contribute to an explanation and understanding of the nature of caring as a fundamental feature of the nursing profession.