Balancing between human intimacy and analytical distance - a special task for a clinical nurse investigating their own clinical practice

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.