Investigating one’s own practice as a clinical researcher and clinical nurse is a dual position. This position creates a unique challenge, because it requires balance between human intimacy and analytical distance. The purpose of this article is to discuss three practical examples in relation to holding this dual position. The examples are derived from the data collection for an already published case study dealing with a patient’s one-year experience of living with atrial fibrillation. In this article, the three examples will be discussed using theoretical concepts related to nursing openheartedness and courage. In conclusion, holding courage and a sensitive attitude is connected and essential for holding the dual position and balancing the unifying contradictions between human intimacy and analytical distance. Competences of a reflective practice, from working as a clinical nurse, are found to be beneficial for balancing between human intimacy and analytical distance for a clinical researcher.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	case study, researcher role, nursing, openheartedness, courage, participant observation
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Nursing
Research Field:	Community and primary care
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Provision of health and support services
Objective Field:	Nursing
UTAS Author:	Cummings, E (Associate Professor Liz Cummings)
ID Code:	129343
Year Published:	2018
Deposited By:	Health Sciences
Deposited On:	2018-11-25
Last Modified:	2019-09-09
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