The next Deans’ Seminar in the 2022-23 series will be held this Friday, March 24, 2023. Sharon Imes, Assistant Professor of Nursing, will present her research entitled “First Impressions of the Bedside Nurse from the Patient Perspective.”
We will meet at noon in the UCET Classroom (NS245). Feel free to bring your lunch. Soft drinks and water will be provided. If you would like to join by zoom please use this link: https://iu.zoom.us/j/93176192536
Abstract:
Background: Patient perception of experiences and satisfaction plays a key role in today’s healthcare world. Nurses are the cornerstone of hospital experiences and are in a key position to influence patient perceptions. Perceptions begin with first impressions. First impressions have been shown by other disciplines to influence trust, comfort, fear, and satisfaction with their healthcare experience, yet there is minimal research in nursing. A previously conducted pilot study indicated that it was feasible to capture meaningful data about first impressions of the bedside nurse using qualitative interview techniques with inpatients on Medical-Surgical units.
Objective: This study explored the first impression of the bedside nurse from the patient perspective, cultivating a grounded theory process. Additionally, this study included the effect of nurses wearing masks (during the Covid-19 pandemic) on the patient’s perception of the first impression of the nurse.
Design & Methods: A qualitative grounded theory design emphasizing constructivist underpinnings was used. Individual semi-structured audio-recorded voluntary participant interviews were conducted with inpatients on Medical-Surgical units at a moderate sized community hospital in the Midwestern US. Inductive reasoning analysis was used to identify a grounded theory process.
Results: The study included 20 adult participants. Five major themes emerged: 1) demeanor is the prevailing characteristic of the first impression of the bedside nurse identified by patients. 2) nonverbal communication is the most important influence in first impression formation, 3) first impressions are formed immediately, 4) first impressions spark the direction of the nurse-patient relationship, and 5) first impressions are powerful and lead to important consequences.
Conclusion & Implications: This study reveals that first impressions of the bedside nurse have a significant impact on a patient’s experience from the patient perspective. This research provides an innovative approach to improving patient’s perceptions and satisfaction. First impressions are largely underestimated in nursing yet they have important implications for nurses, nurse educators, and nursing leadership.