No abstract

A pilot study was conducted in an acute care hospital’s rehabilitation unit to determine the effect of a 3 min, slow, back massage during evening nursing care on patient perceptions of nurse caring. The intervention was based on Watson’s (2008; 2012) theory of caring. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare perception of nurse caring by experimental group (n = 15) and usual care group (n = 14). Results showed no statistically significant difference between the groups on patient perceptions of nurse caring. Both groups were asked survey questions after evening care was given. Both groups responded similarly. Three themes relating to nurse caring emerged from the surveys: providing hygienic and comfort care, demonstrating nurse caring behaviors, and being relaxed and comforted. Lastly, patients in both groups reported a positive experience with their evening nursing care.