A Critical Hermeneutic Analysis of Presence in Nursing Practice

Abstract

Nursing presence, although it involves action at times, is a humanitarian quality of relating to a patient that is known to have powerful and positive implications for both nurse and patient. However, this phenomenon has not been well understood. Three theories, drawn from the work of Paul Ricoeur and Hans-Georg Gadamer, served as the boundaries for both data collection and analysis. The theories were narrative identity, play and solicitude. This study follows a critical hermeneutic approach to field research and data analysis. Literature regarding nursing presence is reviewed and discussed, and in-depth conversations with eleven participants are recorded. Examining the phenomenon of nursing presence through the hermeneutic lenses of narrative identity, play and solicitude has elucidated the role of ethical orientation, creativity and connection with the human experience through exploration of self and other. This more nuanced and complex understanding adds depth to the conversation and offers new possibilities to the effort to encourage and support presence in nursing practice.

Communication needs of patients with breast cancer: A qualitative study

“…[ 32 ] Bright believes that the presence of a nurse, even a physical presence minus therapeutic action at times when treatment and palliative care fall short of the patient's needs, can change the quality of care from the patient's perspective. [ 33 ]…”

Estar presente em tempos de pandemia. Reflexão crítica do conceito de presença em enfermagem

“…Apesar da importância dispensada aos diários de Florence Nightingale, o conceito de Presença na prática de Enfermagem surge em 1962, juntamente com a filosofia e a fenomenologia existenciais, através dos manuscritos da Irmã Madeleine Clémence Vaillotque tentou aplicar a filosofia de Gabriel Marcel e Martin Heidegger à Enfermagem, defendendo que a presença existe quando o enfermeiro prima pela qualidade do compromisso (3,5,8,11) . Ideia semelhante é retomada por Hildegard Peplau (1952), a primeira teórica a considerar a relação terapêutica como o núcleo da enfermagem, enfatizando o uso terapêutico do self, destacando a autorreflexão e a autoconsciência como habilidades necessárias para todos os enfermeiros (20) .…”

“…A Presença é um conceito complexo, matizado central para vários modelos e teorias de enfermagem (1) . Qualidade humanista do relacionamento estabelecido com um utente, que pode ser denominado de phronesis (2) , excelência do intelecto prático ou sabedoria moral prática que beneficia o utente e o enfermeiro (1,3,4,5,6,7,8) .…”

Hermeneutics in Nursing Studies: An Integrative Review

“…And by this may enhance to achieve calmness through some strategies to make them behaving successfully. While; Bright[42] has clarified the role of ethical orientation, creativity and connection with the human experience through exploration of self and other. However, Koskinen & Nystrom[43] had central foundations in the application of research which are ethics, creation of a hermeneutical room, dialogue and common understanding and appropriation and action.…”

“…The study of lived experiences of elderly patients with Coronary Artery Disease of Karimooi et al[41] shown one main theme: living with ups and downs, with sub-themes: losing calmness, trying to achieve calmness through spirituality, losing health, trying to promote health through modification of lifestyle, perceiving family support, living in fear, and living with a damaged heart. However, Bright[42] had explored and examined the phenomenon of nursing presence through the hermeneutic lenses. Theoretical categories include: narrative identity, play and solicitude, whereas, Koskinen and Nystrom [43] contributed to the development of the hermeneutical application research design in its epistemological, ontological and ethical perspective, by articulating and clarifying the central foundations in the application.…”