Nursing Presence: Challenges and Way Forward

Abstract

The idea of presence goes beyond simply speaking to patients face-to-face. The presence of nurses with patients is an essential element of care, vital for all nursing interventions, and necessary for patient safety and for performing the nursing process. Nursing presence is a genuine and meaningful exchange between the nurse and the patient. The core of patient-nurse communication in the nursing profession has long been recognized as the nursing presence. Physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional presence are types of presence explained in the article. Activities of presence entail listening to the patient’s concerns, being physically available to help, establishing trust, being sensitive, and demonstrating an accepting attitude among others. It is recommended that nurses should be present with their patients and give individualized care always.