Aesthetics in Nursing Practice for Cancer Patients as Experienced by Nurses in Nepal: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study.

BACKGROUND

Aesthetics in nursing practice address creating beautiful, meaningful, desirable, and satisfying experiences for both the nurse and the patient. However, little is known about aesthetics in nursing practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the lived experiences of nurses who provide aesthetically pleasant care in nursing practice for cancer patients.

METHODS

The hermeneutic phenomenological approach grounded on Gadamer's philosophy was used in this study. Sixteen Nepalese nurses who met the inclusion criteria were the participants. The data collection consisted of 2 methods of drawing graphic illustrations to reflect aesthetic nursing practices and in-depth interviews to explain them. The researchers analyzed and interpreted art-based graphic illustrations and interview transcriptions of 16 Nepalese nurses using van Manen's approach.

RESULTS

The 5 thematic categories covering these meanings comprised (1) knowing persons as whole, (2) creating a pleasant healing environment, (3) creative use of palliative care resources, (4) nurturing hope, and (5) rewarding the self.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the understanding of the nurses' thoughts and actions of aesthetics in their nursing practice. The inductive knowledge from the experiences of the nurses informs the nursing discipline and profession to promote aesthetics in nursing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

These findings can be used to promote aesthetics in nursing practice to improve patients' well-being holistically and increase nurses' satisfaction from caring.