Creating a profile of a nurse effective in caring

BACKGROUND: Watson's Theory of Caring and Caritas proposes that caring and love potentiate healing. Creating a profile of the characteristics of a "Caritas nurse" has implications for integrating caring and love into patient care, and measuring the impact of caring on patient and operational outcomes. METHODS: This psychometric study examined the profile of nurses effective in caring. The Caring Factor Survey and the Healthcare Environment Survey were selected to measure caring and work environment conditions as reported by the patient and by the nurse, respectively. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed that nurses of all ages who received high scores in caring were most frustrated with the work environment, were most experienced, worked only the hours scheduled, were most affected by the relationship with the patient, derived the most enjoyment from the relationship with their coworkers, and provided continuity of care most consistently. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study indicate that further inquiry into the profile of nurses effective in caring and evaluation of the presence of caring and love on patient outcomes is warranted.