The Importance of Caring Behaviors and Feeling Safe for Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Caring is a foundational concept for professional nursing. Because a hospital may be an unfamiliar environment for patients, feeling safe is vital. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the importance of caring behaviors for making patients feel safe and their relationship with patient characteristics. Data analysis (n = 324) indicated “being listened to” was the most important caring practice, while having your nurses and doctors demonstrate professional knowledge and skill was the most important behavior for feeling safe. In today’s hospital environment, nurses need to provide patient care that patients consider caring and that helps patients feel safe.