Emotional universe of intensive care unit nurses from Spain and the United Kingdom: A hermeneutic approach

Abstract

Aim: To acquire an understanding of the emotional universe of intensive care unit nurses, working in Spain and the United Kingdom. Methodology: The study used a hermeneutic study design and was set in an academic environment. Participants included nurses with clinical experience in intensive care units. Data were collected from seven in-depth interviews, four in Spanish and three in English. The analysis followed Ricoeur’s Theory of Interpretation. The affective taxonomy Universe of Emotions, served to establish starting categories in it. Findings: Six themes were identified: 1) Critical patient care, critical context; 2) Intensive care. . . for whom?; 3) Nursing a dying patient; 4) In the company of others; 5) But. . . is it worth it? and 6) Emotional labour is crucial. These all describe different, multifaceted nurses’ affective journeys, through categories such as: So little time-so much to do, Relatives, Young death vs. elderly death, Poorly-valued work and I’m in the profession I want to be. Conclusion: The sociocultural context shared by the Spanish and English nurses working in intensive care units generates a complex emotional universe, with opposing affective experiences, such as those related to fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, shame, love, surprise and happiness