There are times when something extraordinary happens
between a patient and nurse. It feels different.
It s just special. An experienced nurse conducted
a grounded-theory study to explore just what happens
in this relationship, and the discoveries are
remarkable. This special bond, named connectedness,
occurs when the needs of the spirit are met by a
spiritually competent nurse. It takes place in a
setting of openness and trust in which there is a
nurse-patient exchange and spiritual guidance by the
nurse, all bounded by meaningfulness. The results are
an impact on one s life, healing, strength, and/or
growth. This study was a journey of meaningfulness
for both the researcher and many of the study
participants who shared their stories. The resulting
model, fully described, is a paradigm for
understanding an aspect of spirituality in nursing
practice. The rich stories and vibrant detail will
reach out to anyone who experiences or wants to
experience meaningful relationships.
between a patient and nurse. It feels different.
It s just special. An experienced nurse conducted
a grounded-theory study to explore just what happens
in this relationship, and the discoveries are
remarkable. This special bond, named connectedness,
occurs when the needs of the spirit are met by a
spiritually competent nurse. It takes place in a
setting of openness and trust in which there is a
nurse-patient exchange and spiritual guidance by the
nurse, all bounded by meaningfulness. The results are
an impact on one s life, healing, strength, and/or
growth. This study was a journey of meaningfulness
for both the researcher and many of the study
participants who shared their stories. The resulting
model, fully described, is a paradigm for
understanding an aspect of spirituality in nursing
practice. The rich stories and vibrant detail will
reach out to anyone who experiences or wants to
experience meaningful relationships.