CONVERSATIONS OF CARE: A DESCRIPTION OF THE PHENOMENON OF CARE IN NURSING LEADERSHIP.
Contributors: University of St. Thomas (Saint Paul, Minn.)
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 206
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Industrial.
Description: This qualitative study explored the meaning of care and its application in decision making in nursing leadership. An identified group of nurses from Minnesota were asked to nominate a colleague in an administrative role in a hospital setting whom they felt demonstrated a sense of care. From these nominating letters, four nurse leaders from geographically diverse parts of the state were identified and agreed to participate in the study. Five nominators as well as those nominated were interviewed using an open-ended format. The interviews were audiotaped and analyzed using procedures established by Colaizzi.

Using the nominating letters, field notes, and the interview transcripts, eight codes emerged as descriptors of the phenomenon of care in nursing leadership: choosing, bridging, creating, growth, being whole, authenticity, standing with, and futuring. Two codes emerged which identified the antithesis of care: not leadership and strain. Nurse leaders were found to use the ethical perspectives of both justice and care.

Recommendations for curriculum development for those pursuing formal education in management and leadership were developed, as well as recommendations for nurses practicing in administrative positions in hospitals.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-04, Section: B, page: 2478.

Thesis (ED.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS (ST. PAUL), 1996.

School code: 1064.