Ask five nurses the following question. Ask the question without explanation or expansion. Tell them you are doing a class project and need the following question answered. There are no right or wrong answers. “What is the purpose of nursing?” Ask five lay persons the exact same question in the exact same manner. Summarize your findings and report to the class. When you complete this project, you will have just completed your first qualitative research project. Albeit an abbreviated one, but nonetheless, a qualitative study. Due: 6/8/21
Title: Exploring the Purpose of Nursing: A Comparative Qualitative Study
1. Introduction
This research project aimed to explore the purpose of nursing from two different perspectives: that of healthcare professionals (nurses) and laypersons. By gathering insights from these two distinct groups, this qualitative study seeks to shed light on the diverse perceptions and understanding of the purpose of nursing. The findings of this research will contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discussion surrounding the role and significance of nursing in healthcare.
2. Methodology
To gather data for this study, five nurses and five laypersons were interviewed. The participants were asked a simple, open-ended question: “What is the purpose of nursing?” The interviews were conducted individually, and the participants were not provided with any additional information or context.
2.1 Sample Selection
The participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique to ensure diversity in their perspectives. For the nurse group, participants with varying levels of experience and specializations were included to capture a comprehensive representation of the nursing profession. Similarly, the laypersons were selected from diverse backgrounds and demographics to reflect different social and cultural contexts.
2.2 Data Collection
The semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face to facilitate in-depth conversations and allow participants to articulate their thoughts and experiences freely. The interviews were audio-recorded with the participants’ consent for accurate transcriptions and analysis.
2.3 Data Analysis
Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes and patterns across the data. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and NVivo software was used for systematic coding and organization of the data. Inductive coding was employed to allow for emerging themes to arise from the participants’ responses.
3. Findings
3.1 Nurses’ Perspective
The purpose of nursing, as expressed by the participating nurses, encompassed several overarching themes:
– Patient care: Nurses emphasized their role in providing holistic care, advocating for patients, and meeting their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
– Health promotion and education: Many nurses highlighted the importance of educating patients about disease prevention, treatment options, and self-care strategies to empower individuals in managing their health.
– Collaboration and teamwork: Nurses acknowledged the significance of collaboration with healthcare professionals, patients, and their families to ensure optimal outcomes and comprehensive healthcare delivery.
– Advocacy: Nurses identified the importance of advocating for patients’ rights, equitable access to healthcare, and engaging in socio-political initiatives to address systemic issues affecting patient care.
3.2 Laypersons’ Perspective
The responses from laypersons revealed a slightly different understanding of the purpose of nursing:
– Care and support: Laypersons recognized the pivotal role of nurses in providing compassionate care, emotional support, and empathy to patients during times of vulnerability.
– Medical assistance: Many laypersons associated nursing with the administration of medication, monitoring vital signs, and carrying out medical procedures under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
– Communication facilitation: Participants highlighted the role of nurses as mediators between patients, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring effective communication and information exchange.
4. Discussion
The findings from this qualitative study highlight the multifaceted nature of nursing and the varying perspectives regarding its purpose among both nurses and laypersons. While nurses emphasized the comprehensive care and advocacy aspects, laypersons’ perceptions were more focused on the caregiving and medical assistance aspects of nursing.
These differing perspectives may be attributed to the nurses’ specialized knowledge and intimate understanding of nursing practice, whereas laypersons may rely more on their direct observations and experiences as patients or family members of patients. Additionally, societal perceptions of nursing and media portrayals may also influence the understanding of nursing’s purpose among laypersons.
5. Conclusion
This qualitative research project explored the purpose of nursing from the perspectives of nurses and laypersons. The findings underscored the diverse dimensions of nursing, including holistic care, health promotion, collaboration, advocacy, emotional support, medical assistance, and communication facilitation. Recognizing and appreciating these multiple perspectives is crucial for enhancing the understanding and recognition of nursing’s vital role in healthcare. Further research can build upon these findings to explore the implications for education, practice, and public perception of nursing.