Institutionalized older adults' perceptions of nurse caring behaviors. A pilot study.

The purpose of this article is to identify which behaviors performed by nursing staff were important indicators of caring as perceived by older adults residing in institutional settings. Using Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Care as the framework for the study, the Caring Behavior Assessment (CBA) instrument, which is congruent with Watson's carative factors, was used to interview residents. A convenience sample of 21 residents residing in long-term care and assisted-living facilities answered the 63-item CBA. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the importance of each identified behavior. The analyses revealed that the highest indicator of nurse caring focused on the nurses' technical competency (instrumental activities). This study noted a significant gender-specific perception of caring. This may reflect differences in gender communication styles and interpersonal processes which may affect connotations of caring expressions. Humanistic caring (expressive activities) was the second most important indicator of care. Older adults desired care which preserved and enhanced individual dignity.