Caring encountered patients undergoing hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Nurses play a crucial role in caring for dialysis patients. This descriptive qualitative study explored the caring and uncaring encounters of hemodialysis patients, guided by Halldorsdottir’s Theory of Caring and Uncaring. Seven participants identified three elements of caring experiences: addressing needs, presence, and going the extra mile. Patients felt warmth when their needs were met, when nurses became reliable friends, and when nurses went above and beyond. Conversely, cold treatment, unmet needs, and nurses simply "getting work done" were perceived as uncaring. The study highlights that beyond physical needs, hemodialysis patients value a nurse's warm presence and appreciate attention given beyond just the machine. These insights can help nurses better interact with hemodialysis patients.