Values and perceptions of caring by perioperative nurse associates

Caring is emerging as an important concept for the nursing profession especially within the perioperative arena (Bickler, 1994; McNamara, 1995; Rawnsley, 1990). The purposes of this study were to investigate: (a) the relationship between perioperative nurse associates' values and caring behaviors; and (b) the relationship between perioperative nurse associates' perceptions of own demonstrated caring behaviors to demonstrated caring behaviors of nurse managers.The study was based upon Watson's (1985) model of Human Caring. The instruments used were Staub's (1989) Values Questionnaire and Nkongho's (1990) Caring Ability Inventory. A demographic profile of study participants was obtained. The population included all nurses (48,000) who were members of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN). The sample consisted of 300 randomly selected non-managerial perioperative nurse associates obtained from the membership list of AORN.A cover letter explaining the study along with a demographic questionnaire and three survey instruments were mailed to the 300 perioperative associates at their home address. The surveys were returned to the investigator by mail in a furnished self-addressed stamped envelope (n=96). Procedures for human subject protection were followed.A descriptive correlation design and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Perioperative nurses identified three recurring themes as suggestions for incorporating caring behaviors by nurse managers; (a) improved communication skills; (b) increased accessibility; and (c) empowerment of nurses. Findings showed a moderately positive and significant relationship between values and caring behaviors supporting Watson's Theory of Human Care (1985). Results showed no relationship of caring behaviors between nurse associates and nurse managers. However, the data did reveal that nurse associates perceived themselves as more caring than the nurse managers.School of NursingThesis (M.S.