‘Nature and nursing: A critical interpretive synthesis’

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference paper (not formally published)peer-review

Abstract

Aims / objectives

• Examine the relevance and impact of nature immersion as a reflective wellbeing strategy within nurse education.
• Address the paucity of research examining the nurse-nature relationship.
• Explore the lived experience of nature immersion for student nurses, increasing opportunity for inclusion within curricula.

Methods

Interdisciplinary searching identified an extensive body of literature with significant heterogeneity. Critical Interpretive Synthesis was utilised to identify a representative sampling frame, enabling interpretation whilst problematizing the literature.

Results

Findings identify nature as potentially therapeutic with capacity to:

i) Increase positive affect
ii) Decrease negative affect
iii) Offer a sense of belonging
iv) Promote meaning making
v) Foster an interest in caring for the natural world.


Despite this, the emerging picture is problematic and identifies the ongoing impacts of colonialism for people, planet and the research itself.


Discussion

Findings may be transferrable to a nursing context, with further study exploring the complex social factors influencing the relationship between nature and wellbeing from a nurse education perspective.

Relevance to / impact on the triple bottom line

Environmental – Mutuality of human-planetary caring relationships.
Financial – Stress & burnout – impact on attrition and recruitment.
Social – Sustainability of people, colonialism and gender in the literature.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 7 May 2021
EventSustainable Healthcare Academic Research and Enterprise (SHARE) Conference : ‘Resetting the Agenda for Sustainable Healthcare’ - Online , Brighton, United Kingdom
Duration: 7 May 20217 May 2021

Conference

ConferenceSustainable Healthcare Academic Research and Enterprise (SHARE) Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBrighton
Period7/05/217/05/21

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