Caring in Nursing Practice (NURS 308 Professionalism)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Caring in Nursing lecture notes (NURS 308).

Caring

An attitude and practice central to nursing, focusing on the whole person and incorporating presence, empathy, and responsiveness.

Sincerity

Genuineness and honesty in interactions with patients and families.

Presence

Being with the patient physically and emotionally, conveying genuine attention and concern.

Availability

Being accessible to patients and responsive to their needs.

Engagement

Active involvement with patients in their care, fostering partnership.

Compassion

Empathy in action; concern for suffering with steps to relieve it.

Relationship-centered care

An approach that places the patient-provider relationship at the center of care and outcomes.

Patient-focused care

Care that centers on the patient’s needs, preferences, and values.

Benner’s view of caring

Caring is the primary essence of nursing practice; helps patients recover, gives meaning to illness, and maintains connection.

Leininger’s view of caring

Transcultural caring; caring is personal and responses are culturally specific.

Watson’s view of caring

Transpersonal, holistic care that promotes healing; care precedes cure.

Swanson’s theory of caring

Nurturing through knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief.

Invisible caring relationship

An unseen bond showing respect, concern, support, empathy, and compassion; the nurse as coach, partner, and enabler.

Caring assessment tool (CAT)

A tool used to measure patients’ perceptions of caring from nurses.

Sensitive

Able to perceive and respond to patients’ needs with nuance and care.

Sympathetic

Showing understanding and concern for patients’ feelings.

Compassionate

Caring with deep concern and a drive to relieve suffering.

Interested

Showing curiosity and engagement with the patient’s experience.

Patient satisfaction

The degree to which patients feel their care meets their expectations; a key outcome of caring.

Ethic of Care

A moral framework prioritizing relationships, trust, and responsibility in caregiving.

Mutual respect and trust

Reciprocal esteem and reliability between nurse and patient.

Collaboration

Working with patients, families, and colleagues to achieve care goals.

Encouragement

Providing hope and motivation to persevere in care.

Hope

An outlook that sustains patients during illness and care.

Support

Providing practical and emotional assistance to patients.

Ethic

Moral principles guiding right and wrong behavior in professional practice.

Being with

A component of caring involving shared humanity and companionship with the patient.

Therapeutic touch

Intentional touch used to promote healing and comfort.

Skin-to-skin

Touch that promotes warmth, safety, and connection in care.

Ask permission

Seeking patient consent before interactions or procedures.

Gentleness

A soft, respectful demeanor in care.

Reassure

Provide reassurance to ease anxiety and fear.

Protective touch

Touch used to prevent harm and ensure safety during care.

Listening

Fully hearing and understanding the patient’s words and concerns.

Silence

Using silence to allow reflection and better understanding of the patient.

Continuous assessment

Ongoing evaluation of patient status and needs over time.

Time

Allocating sufficient time for patient care and interactions.

Continuity

Consistency of care across shifts and providers to support trust and outcomes.

Teamwork

Cooperation among healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.

Trust

Confidence in the nurse–patient relationship and care process.

Experience

Practical knowledge gained through clinical work that informs care.

Patient-centered care

Care designed around the patient’s values, preferences, and needs.

Palliative care

Care focused on comfort and quality of life for serious illness.

Comfort

Relief from physical and emotional distress.

Dignity

Preserving the patient’s worth and respect.

Respect

Honoring patient preferences, values, and rights.

Peace

Maintaining inner calm and dignity during care.

Holistic care (Physical, emotional, spiritual, social)

A comprehensive approach addressing all aspects of a patient’s wellbeing.

Family care

Involving and supporting family and caregivers in the care process.

Advance directives

Legal documents expressing patient wishes for care if unable to communicate.

Educating

Providing information and teaching to patients and families.

Comforting

Soothing anxiety and distress and offering reassurance.

Assuring

Providing confidence about care plans and outcomes.

Supporting

Ongoing help and encouragement for patients and families.

Spiritual caring

Addressing spiritual needs and beliefs to promote wholeness.

Balance with life values

Maintaining alignment between care and the patient’s values and beliefs.

Interconnectedness

Feeling connected to self, others, and a higher being.

Spirituality

Belief in meaning beyond the material; fosters connection and purpose.

Mobilize hope

Encouraging and sustaining hope in care.

Relieving symptoms and suffering

Alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Time constraints

Limited time to provide care due to workload and systems.

Technology

Tools and systems used in care that can affect caring relationships.

Cost-effective modalities

Efficient methods to deliver care within budget constraints.

Standardized work processes

Predefined procedures to ensure safe, consistent care.

Task-oriented

Focusing on completing tasks rather than holistic needs.

Multiple stressors

Various pressures that challenge caring in practice.