Perceptions of nurses and clients related to empathic interactions

The definition of empathy is generally agreed upon, although its precise nature and characteristics within a nurse-client relationship are unclear. The perceptions of nurses and clients related to empathic interactions were examined using hospitalized clients and their direct care nurses. A phenomenological approach was chosen for research design and analysis. Data for the study were collected by interviewing the nurses and clients individually. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using the seven step Colaizzi method. The findings of the study indicate that nurses and clients have a multi-dimensional view of empathy. There is agreement that there is a sense of a connection, presence, energy, and shared nonverbal communication. The process of empathy is accompanied by a sense of self-transposal and resonation with the experience of the other. The experience of empathy is felt to be an essential component of nursing that can lead to enhanced well-being