Caring in the Nurse-Patient Relationship through the Caritas Lens: An Integrative Review

Abstract

This integrative review of the literature is an exploration of current research on the phenomenon of caring in the nurse-patient relationship. A literature search was conducted using CINAHL, Google Scholar, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Ovid Nursing, ProQuest Nursing, SAGE journals online, and ScienceDirect. Data analysis was performed using Watson’s 10 Caritas Processes as a descriptive, categorical framework. Narrative summary was used to report findings. Results show emergence of complex concepts. Incongruence was found between nurses’ and patients’ perceptions. Further research is needed to generate more knowledge regarding the phenomenon of caring in the nurse-patient relationship