The grateful nurse: the possibilities and dilemmas of gratitude in nursing education and practice

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.