Emotion and the nurse-patient relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine how emotion affects the nurse-patient relationship. The discussion is derived from a qualitative research study that examined the nurse-patient relationship in humanistic care by observing courses of introduction to nursing and nursing ethics. First, the meaning of the caring relationship is addressed. Secondly, the relationship between empathy and self transcendence is examined. Finally, the nurse's emotion as a tool for healing the other is illustrated. Thoughtful work discussions also seem to identify nurses' awareness of their own emotion as not only promoting self transcendence, but also promoting the healing process.