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Knowledge
Bevis (1978) stated �knowledge about the caring process, its purpose, organization and outcome enables nurses to understand and interact with patients more wisely and with greater caring because they make choices based on knowledge� (as cited in Mayer 1987 p.48).
The concept of caring has been examined by many nurse researchers.
It is thought that if the concept of caring can be broken down and studied then it can be learned. Crigger and Hoover are two nurse researchers who conducted studies on caring with student nurses and patients. Outcomes of their studies are listed below.
- interraction or connection with the patient must take place before caring can begin.(Crigger 2001)
- able to differentiate the task of caring from the actual emotional bond of caring.(Crigger 2001)
- reflection on the encounter with the patient allows you to move forward.(Hoover 2001)
Hoover (2001) asked these three questions:
- "Do all patients need to be cared for"(p.80)?
- "How do you recognize a patient's need to be cared for"(p.80)?
- "How would you know that you had been cared for as a patient"(p.80)?
These questions are very timely during our current nursing challenge.
Intentionality
Intentionality is the desire,love and respect shown to another. Intentionality reaches the other(patient)on a deeper more spiritual level benefiting nurse and patient. Intentionality transcends the soul of both caregiver and the patient setting the stage for caring in its purest form. Watson (2002) writes succinctly "...thinking related to intentionality connects with the concepts of consciousness,energy...if our conscious intentionality to hold thoughts that are caring, loving, open, kind and receptive, in contrast to an intentionality to control, manipulate, and have power over, the consequences will be significant..."(p.12).
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