Nurses’ experience of caring for delirious patients
Journal
Journal of Nursing Research
Journal Volume
10
Journal Issue
4
Pages
279-290
Date Issued
2002
Author(s)
Abstract
This qualitative research was aimed at understanding nurses' experiences of caring for delirious patients. Four in-depth open-ended interviews were analyzed. A model to present the caring experience was developed from the interviews. The experience of caring for the delirious patient is a process of "striving for balance". Informants reported trying to deal with unanticipated patient conditions and the unyielding workloads by balancing these two conditions. Some of the actions pursued included: relying on outer resources, assuring safety, reporting, and supporting each other. Understanding the nurses' caring experience is important for the nurse administrators in helping the nurse manage delirious patients. Suggestions for future research are also made.
Type
journal article