The emotional experience of nurses in the invisible care of the elderly

Abstract

Invisible care for the elderly involves actions by nurses that transcend procedural techniques, emphasizing humanism and emotions in the nurse-patient relationship. This study explores nurses' emotional experiences during invisible care, grounded in the theories of Florence Nightingale, Jean Watson, and Hildegard Peplau. Through in-depth interviews with three nurses with over 30 years of experience, the study examines the values and emotions that emerge in elderly care. Findings highlight the importance of empathy, service vocation, and ethics in professional practice, addressing the impact of dehumanization in hospital settings. This work aims to foster more humanized and compassionate care for this vulnerable population.