Nursing Care Means Help

Abstract

Objectives: To understand what nursing care means to trauma patients. Method: qualitative, with a focus on particularistic ethnography, applicable to any social unit or human group that can be isolated. Data collection was done between March 2006 and December 2007, and 15 adults who were hospitalized after suffering trauma were interviewed. The study was completed in November 2008. Results: Nursing care means help aimed at satisfying the physical and treatment needs of patients, as well as their need for companionship, hope, understanding and a sense of security. The latter is understood as a guarantee of quality care and the peace of mind that comes with being cared for directly by a nursing professional. Conclusion: Having found that the patients in the study acknowledge nursing care and describe it step-by-step as interaction between themselves and the professional who assists them in carrying out activities that help to preserve or restore their health, justifies maintaining the goals of nursing. Inasmuch as the care provided by a professional nurse affords a sense of security, it is recommended that an active effort be made to have nurses resume caring for patients directly in hospital wards. It also is suggested that studies be encouraged to show the cost-benefit to be derived from service with these characteristics.