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The grateful nurse: the possibilities and dilemmas of gratitude in nursing education and practice
Citation
Arnott, N, The grateful nurse: the possibilities and dilemmas of gratitude in nursing education and practice, 11th Annual Graduate Research Conference - University of Tasmania, 7-8 September 2017, Hobart, Tasmania (2017) [Conference Extract]
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Abstract
Gratitude has long been extolled by classical-scholars, philosophers, ethicists and theologians, but
it is only in recent decades that rigorous empirical-enquiry into gratitude has emerged, particularly
in relation to health and well-being. While conceptual debates abound, there is a growing body of
research that correlates the experience and expression of gratitude with enhanced physical-health,
subjective-wellbeing, pro-social tendencies, stronger interpersonal relationships, optimism,
resilience, and overall positive functioning. These benefits have a clear affiliation with the
philosophy, values and therapeutic-intent of nursing, particularly inter-personal and relational
attributes such as caring, empathy and person-centredness. Despite this correlation, gratitude has
received scant attention in nursing research and practice. Most references to gratitude in nursing
involve expressions of gratefulness directed to nurses from recipients of their care (patients). My
assertion is that gratitude is also important for the caregiver/nurse. Research has found that
gratitude interventions and practices can help to moderate caregiver-burdens; act as a coping
mechanism in high-stress environments; foster job-satisfaction and organisational-citizenship; and
increase the motivation to act in kindness and adopt a person-centred orientation to care. This
study will examine how gratitude is understood, experienced and valued by nurses, and what this
might mean for the future of nursing education and practice.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Conference Extract |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Gratitude; Nursing |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Nursing |
| Research Field: | Nursing not elsewhere classified |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Health and Support Services |
| Objective Field: | Nursing |
| Author: | Arnott, N (Mr Nick Arnott) |
| ID Code: | 121181 |
| Year Published: | 2017 |
| Deposited By: | Health Sciences |
| Deposited On: | 2017-09-14 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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