Hi all,
The Nursing CRG is being ask for input on a definition for the concept 386397008 |Providing presence (regime/therapy)|. It is a child of 243114000 |Support (regime/therapy)| and added to the terminology in 2003. It was added to the ICNP reference set in 2024.
Thank you,
Cathy
Topic raised at the April Nursing CRG. It will be taken away with further discussion happening at the May meeting.
Some initial feedback via email - thank you.
AI Overview
Nursing presence is a holistic, interpersonal, and therapeutic nursing intervention defined as “being there” and “being with” the patient. It involves a conscious, intentional, and empathetic connection that extends beyond physical presence to include psychological and spiritual availability. This approach improves patient well-being, trust, and care outcomes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Core Components of Nursing Presence
“Being There” vs. “Being With”: It is more than just occupying space; it is an authentic emotional and mental connection with the patient.
Active Engagement: It requires the nurse to be fully focused, using listening, touch, and intuition to understand the patient’s unique experience.
Relationship-Based Care: It focuses on fostering a therapeutic, trusting partnership rather than just performing technical tasks. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Therapeutic Presence
Authentic Presence
Intentional Caring
Inter-subjective Encounter
Usage Examples of Nursing Presence
Holding Silence: Sitting with a patient in distress without the need to fill the silence, providing comforting, nonverbal, supportive presence.
Active Listening: Pausing tasks to listen to a patient’s concerns about a diagnosis, validating their emotional experience.
Mindfulness/Centering: A nurse taking a moment to breathe and focus before entering a patient’s room to ensure they are fully present for the interaction.
Therapeutic Touch: Placing a hand on a patient’s shoulder to offer reassurance and connection.
Being With in Crisis: Sitting with a family during end-of-life care, providing reassurance through their presence. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Characteristics
Intentionality: The nurse makes a deliberate choice to connect.
Empathy: Understanding and validating the patient’s emotional state.
Vulnerability: Allowing oneself to be truly open to the patient’s experience.
Trust Building: Forming a foundation for effective care through rapport. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
In addition, some references found to date:
https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/00220124-20251001-02
https://journals.healio.com/doi/full/10.3928/01484834-20250625-03
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2158244014527990
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876139925000507
Response from @Friso
Thank you for sharing this discussion and the references.
From the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), “Presence” (NIC 5340) has actually existed as a formal nursing intervention since 1992 (revisions in 1996, 2000, and 2024). It is defined as: “Being with another, both physically and psychologically, during times of need.”
Within the NIC taxonomy, it is located in the Behavioral domain under the Coping Assistance class.
The intervention includes activities such as:
conveying empathy, compassion, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard;
active and intentional listening;
therapeutic use of silence;
appropriate therapeutic touch;
remaining physically and emotionally available;
promoting safety and reducing fear;
supporting families and significant others;
respecting cultural beliefs and practices.
In addition, NIC also includes “Family Presence Facilitation” (NIC 7170), defined as: “Facilitation of the family’s presence in support of an individual undergoing resuscitation and invasive procedures.”
This intervention already exists within SNOMED CT and is modeled as a child concept of Presence.
This may help frame the Nursing CRG discussion, as Presence already exists as an established and operationalized nursing intervention within standardized nursing terminology.
Best regards,
Friso