A longitudinal study into the perceptions of caring and nursing among student nurses

A longitudinal study of a cohort of student nurses was undertaken in order to investigate whether changes in perceptions of nursing and caring take place and how perceptions of nursing and caring are related. The Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI) and the Nursing Dimensions Inventory (NDI) were employed for data collection at entry to nurse education and after 12 months. There were significant changes in the scores of a range of items in both inventories which suggested that student nurses lose some of their idealism about nursing and caring after 12 months in nurse education. While the overall ranking of items in the inventories was very similar, it was possible to distinguish between the inventories at entry to training and to observe a change, particularly in the CDI, over time by means of Mokken scaling. Nursing and caring would appear to become more synonymous to the student nurses after 12 months in nurse education. Factors scores, for factors identified in the CDI in a previous study, were used to investigate whether these scores changed at 12 months into nurse education compared with entry. No significant changes were detected.     

Perceptions of nursing: a study involving nurses,nursing students,patients and non-nursing students

This paper describes a study of perceptions of nursing by nursing students, qualified nurses (United Kingdom and Spain), patients and non-nursing students. A survey method was used with a longitudinal panel element incorporating a 35-item version of the Nursing Dimensions Inventory translated into Spanish. Data were analysed using principal component analysis, congruence analysis, Mokken scaling, correlation, ANOVA, t-test and Cronbach's alpha. Patients may perceive nursing differently from nursing students, nurses (in the UK and Spain) and non-nurses. These findings are discussed in the context of nurse education and patient care.     

The caring dimensions inventory (CDI): content validity, reliability and scaling

Caring is an elusive phenomenon but this should not prevent the development and validation of reliable quantitative tools for studying this concept in large samples of nurses. The present paper reports on the content analysis of a questionnaire called the Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI). The CDI was content validated in terms of existing conceptualization of caring and research in this area and also in terms of a nursing taxonomy and its representation in popular United Kingdom nursing publications. The CDI was administered to a large sample of nurses working in Scotland and data were obtained from 1430 qualified and student nurses. The internal consistency of the CDI items related to perceptions of caring was established and the scalability of a sub-set of CDI items was demonstrated. The CDI scale was related to the constructs of age and sex of respondents. Possibilities for further analysis and development of the CDI are discussed.     

An exploration of the caring attributes and perceptions of work place change among gerontological nursing staff in England, Scotland and China (Hong Kong)

This study investigates caring attributes and perceptions of work place change among qualified and unqualified nursing staff working with older people in three countries. A Modified Caring Attributes Questionnaire and Perception of Workplace Change Schedule were administered to 737 staff. Caring attributes scores were highest for nurses working in long stay settings, and lowest in nurses aged 25-29 years. Nurses in Hong Kong appear better educated than UK counterparts. Staff development seemed more common in long stay settings. Results suggest workplace changes limiting care quality were more pronounced in Scotland. Reported job satisfaction and moral were lowest in the UK group.     

Caring Behaviors Inventory: a reduction of the 42-item instrument

BACKGROUND: Caring traditionally has been at the center of nursing. Effectively measuring the process of nurse caring is vital in nursing research. A short, less burdensome dimensional instrument for patients' use is needed for this purpose. OBJECTIVES: To derive and validate a shorter Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI) within the context of the 42-item CBI. METHODS: The responses to the 42-item CBI from 362 hospitalized patients were used to develop a short form using factor analysis. A test-retest reliability study was conducted by administering the shortened CBI to new samples of patients (n = 64) and nurses (n = 42). RESULTS: Factor analysis yielded a 24-item short form (CBI-24) that (a) covers the four major dimensions assessed by the 42-item CBI, (b) has internal consistency (alpha =.96) and convergent validity (r =.62) similar to the 42-item CBI, (c) reproduces at least 97% of the variance of the 42 items in patients and nurses, (d) provides statistical conclusions similar to the 42-item CBI on scoring for caring behaviors by patients and nurses, (e) has similar sensitivity in detecting between-patient difference in perceptions, (f) obtains good test-retest reliability (r = .88 for patients and r=.82 for nurses), and (g) confirms high internal consistency (alpha >.95) as a stand-alone instrument administered to the new samples. CONCLUSION: CBI-24 appears to be equivalent to the 42-item CBI in psychometric properties, validity, reliability, and scoring for caring behaviors among patients and nurses. These results recommend the use of CBI-24 to reduce response burden and research costs.     

Caring in nursing: a multivariate analysis

The dimensions underlying the perceptions of caring among nurses were investigated using the Edinburgh Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were used. While there was a general caring factor on which the majority of the items in the CDI loaded, there were two separable major dimensions to caring, namely 'psychosocial aspects' and 'professional and technical aspects'. In addition, two smaller dimensions were identified that were both related to self-giving, and it is postulated that these refer, respectively, to appropriate and inappropriate self-giving in nursing.     

Oncology patients' and oncology nurses' perceptions of nurse caring behaviours

Previous research on patients' and nurses' perceptions of nurse caring behaviours has documented significant differences in the ranking of important behaviours. However, these samples have included a variety of medical-surgical patients and nurses and different types of institutional settings, all of which may have affected the results. The present study sought to determine if patients and nurses from one subspecialty area and one institution would have more concordant perceptions of caring. Forty-four oncology patients and 49 oncology nurses completed the Respondents Perceptions of Caring Behaviour Scale (RPCBS). Results showed that overall mean patient rankings were highly correlated with mean nurse rankings (Spearman's correlations coefficient 0.94, P<0.0001). The Wilcoxon two-sample rank sum test was used to test the difference in rank of the 20 items between the patients and nurses. There was a significant difference in rank in only six of the 20 items. These data suggest that oncology patients and nurses have more concordant perceptions of caring than previously investigated groups. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.     

A longitudinal study into the perceptions of caring among student nurses using multivariate analysis of the Caring Dimensions Inventory

A longitudinal study involving student nurses' responses to the Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI) was carried out to investigate the development of perceptions of caring. This study continues previously reported work in which the development of the CDI was described. The current study was designed to see if the CDI could detect changes in perceptions of caring among student nurses as they progressed through their training. Data were collected on the same subjects at three points, each a year apart, throughout the study. A cohort of 168 student nurses entering training was recruited into the present study and data from the CDI was analysed using exploratory factor analysis. A four factor structure for perceptions of caring throughout the study was supported, with some evidence for a five factor structure at 24 months into the programme of nurse education. A professional and technical factor increased in congruence with a similar factor, identified in a previous study, throughout the present study and was used to provide factor scores for individual students. There was a statistically significant and moderately sized correlation between the score on this factor and the age of the student nurses. The five factor solution yielded a factor of accountability. Professional and educational consequences of the study are discussed along with the problem of attrition in longitudinal studies.     

A 35-item version of the Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI-35): multivariate analysis and application to a longitudinal study involving student nurses

The present study was designed to investigate the perceptions of caring among student nurses and how these develop throughout the course of a programme of pre-registration nurse education. A 35-item version of the caring dimensions inventory was administered to a cohort of nursing students in a department of nursing in Scotland at entry to the programme, after 12 months and after 24 months on the programme. Caring was largely perceived through a technical dimension, demonstrated by factor analysis, but other dimensions such as intimacy, support and unnecessary and inappropriate aspects of nursing also became apparent as students progressed through the programme.     

Using the caring dimensions inventory as an indicator of person‐centred nursing

Aims. This paper reports findings from a large‐scale quasi‐experimental study that used a measure of caring as a means of evaluating person‐centred nursing and aims to illustrate the synergy between the concepts of caring and person‐centredness. Background. Evidence would suggest that effective person‐centred nursing requires the formation of therapeutic relationships between professionals, patients and others significant to them in their lives and that these relationships are built on mutual trust, understanding and a sharing of collective knowledge. This correlates with the conceptualisation of caring that is underpinned by humanistic nursing theories. Design. A pretest post‐test design was used in this study to evaluate the effect of person‐centred nursing on a range of outcomes, one of which was nurses’ and patients’ perception of caring. Methods. The Person‐Centred Nursing Index was the main data collection tool. The Caring Dimension Inventory and Nursing Dimensions Inventory, were component parts of the Person‐Centred Nursing Index and were used to measure nurses’ and patients’ perceptions of caring. The Person‐Centred Nursing Index was administered at five points in time over a two‐year intervention period. Results. Nurses had a clear idea of what constituted caring in nursing, identifying statements that were reflective of person‐centredness, which was consistent over time. This was in contrast to patients, whose perceptions were more variable, highlighting incongruencies that have important implications for developing person‐centred practice. Conclusion. The findings confirm the Caring Dimension Inventory/Nursing Dimensions Inventory as an instrument that can be used as an indicator of person‐centred practice. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of such instruments to generate data on aspects of nursing practice that are traditionally hard to measure. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings would suggest that nurses need to be aware of patients’ perceptions of caring and use this to influence changes in practice, where the prime goal is to promote person‐centredness.     

Perceptions of registered nurses working with assistive personnel in the United Kingdom and the United States

This study examines registered nurse perceptions of their role in acute care hospitals that use nursing care assistants (NCA) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Also studied was registered nurse (RN) satisfaction with nursing care assistants and unlicensed assistive personnel in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). The purpose of this study is to assist RNs and managers in the re-design of health-care delivery systems by investigating: 1. The differences and similarities of registered nurses in the UK and the USA in the perceptions of changes in the RN role when working with nursing care assistants or unlicensed assistive personnel. 2. The differences between and similarities of registered nurses in the UK and the USA in perceptions of NCA and UAP abilities to perform delegated duties, to communicate pertinent clinical information and to provide more time for professional nursing activities. Registered nurse perceptions in the UK were compared with the findings of a previous study of RN role changes and satisfaction in the USA. Registered nurses in the UK did not perceive a profound change in their role when working with UAP and were more satisfied with their use than were RNs in the USA.     

实习护生护理关爱行为及影响因素分析

目的 通过护理实习生护理关爱行为的自评,调查关爱行为现状及其影响因素.方法 采用关爱行为问卷和影响因素问卷对正在实习的100名护生进行问卷调查.关爱行为问卷采用台湾学者Lee-Hsieh制定的关爱行为测量问卷的初始条目,根据大陆的文化背景增删后形成.影响因素问卷为自行设计.结果 本组实习护生自评关爱行为得分(4.11±0.42)分,真诚、同情、尊重维度得分(4.19±0.39)分.职业关爱行为维度得分(4.02±0.49)分,不同性别、不同学历、不同选择护理专业方式的护生自评平均得分差异有统计学意K(P＜0.05).逐步回归显示临床学习环境和个人职业态度是护生关爱行为的影响因素.结论 实习护生关爱行为有待进一步提高,建议护理教育者加强对护生临床实习环境的改善和职业态度的培养.     

Care: what nurses say and what nurses do

Caring is neither simply a set of attitudes or theories, nor does it comprise all that nurses do. Nursing care is determined by the way nurses use knowledge and skills to appreciate the uniqueness of the person they are caring for (changing the care noun into a caring verb). The purpose of this article is to present a range of contemporary nurse theorists' ideas on caring and to examine these ideas using the backdrop of nursing as practiced in both Australia and Canada to demonstrate a range of national and international similarities and theoretical beliefs. Caring relationships set up the conditions of trust that enable the one receiving the care to accept the help offered, underpinning the nurse-patient relationship or the therapeutic relationship. Caring is always specific and relational such as that found in the nurse-patient relationship. We believe that caring theory has much to offer nursing practice worldwide. Caring must be considered in the caring context because the nature of the caring relationship is central to most nursing interventions. Nurses need to be able to actually practice caring rather than just theorize about it-using caring theories to inform their practice.     

What makes nursing satisfying: a comparison of college students'' and registered nurses'' views

This paper reports a study of nurses' perceptions of the positive and negative features of the work environment and their contribution to satisfaction with nursing. The concept of a 'work space' was developed to describe nurses' mental images of the features of their work environment. Eighty-four final-year student nurses and 75 registered nurses rated questionnaire items designed to examine perceptions of opportunities for professional development, sources of satisfaction, difficulties, time constraints and problematic interactions with other hospital personnel. There was general agreement among nurses about the aspects of their work that they found satisfying, but student nurses were more pessimistic than registered nurses that nursing would give them opportunities for recognition of their worth. Students returning from practica in critical care wards reported more stressful interactions with other personnel than students returning from general ward practica. Structural equation modelling of the causal relations between sources of satisfaction with nursing revealed that recognition and self-perceptions of work as a nurse were the strongest predictors of overall satisfaction with nursing. Caring for patients contributed only indirectly through its influence on nurses' feelings about themselves. The data indicate the significance of personal and social implications of nursing careers.     

Nurses' caring and empathy in Jordanian psychiatric hospitals: A national survey

Nurses working in psychiatric hospitals need to acquire the skills of therapeutic communication and empathy, and have higher levels of caring. The present study aims to investigate the level of caring and empathy among nurses working in psychiatric hospitals. A cross‐sectional survey was utilized to collect data from 205 nurses recruited from three psychiatric hospitals in Jordan. The Background Information Questionnaire, Modified Caring Dimensions Inventory, and Toronto Empathy Questionnaire were administered to the recruited participants. The findings revealed that the sampled nurses had a high level of caring and empathy. Significant correlations were found between caring and having a specialized training in mental health nursing, and having organizational and managerial support. However, no significant correlations were found between empathy and participants' characteristics. Specialized training in mental health nursing, having organizational and managerial support, and empathy were found predictors for caring.     

Self-esteem and student nurses: a cross-cultural study of nursing students in Thailand and the UK

Abstract Self-esteem is a key feature in a person's perception of their own worth. This report is of a study of the reported self-esteem levels of two groups of student nurses: one in Thailand and one in the UK. Purposive samples of 120 Thai students and 101 UK undergraduate nursing students were given the Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory (CFSEI-2). The CFSEI-2 is a self-reported inventory, which measures an individual's perception of self. The findings of the study indicate that the perceptions of own self-esteem in undergraduate student nurses in the UK and in Thailand were comparable to the normal ranges of self-esteem as assessed by the instrument. An independent sample t -test revealed that there were no significant differences in mean overall and subscale self-esteem scores between UK and Thai nursing students. There were no indications of differences in levels of self-esteem for UK and Thai nursing students experiencing different parts of their training.     

北京市养老院护士关爱能力及影响因素调查

目的调查北京市养老院护士的关爱能力现状,并分析其影响因素。方法采用关爱能力问卷,对北京市2所公立养老院的154名注册护士进行调查。结果养老院护士关爱能力总分为（180．36±16．58）分,各维度得分均低于国外常模（P〈0．01）,87．66％的护士关爱能力总体处于低等水平。多元回归分析显示,职务、学历、有无子女是关爱能力的影响因素（P〈0．01）。结论养老院护士总体关爱能力水平较低,尤其是职务为普通护士、学历为本科、无子女的护士。应在教育和培训中强化护士关爱能力的培养,并呼吁家庭和社会营造关爱氛围。     

某市3所二级医院护士关怀能力现状调查

目的：了解某市二级医院护士关怀能力现状,比较不同职称、学历、科室护士人文关怀能力的差异性,并对其主要影响因素进行分析,提出培养策略。方法：采用Nkongho人文关怀能力评价量表对某市3所二级医院的300名护士进行问卷调查。结果 ：调查对象关怀能力得分低于国外常模;职称是影响护士关怀能力最主要的因素;不同职称护士在认识、耐心2个维度上的得分差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：临床护士总体关怀能力不足,职称是其主要影响因素,护理管理者应对不同职称的护士实施不同的培训计划,提高护士的关怀能力。