Transpersonal Caring Relationships as Part of an Online Nursing Education Environment
[Thesis]
Gdanetz, Lorraine Marie
Horton-Deutsch, Sara
University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus
2019
191
Ph.D.
University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus
2019
An interpretive descriptive qualitative methodological approach underpinned by Caring Science Theory, Relational Caring Inquiry coupled with Aesthetic Ways of Knowing was utilized to discover the meaning of a transpersonal caring relationship as experienced within the context of an online educational environment. Intended goal for this study was to answer the following question: What is the meaning of a student-educator transpersonal caring relationship as experienced by the post-licensure nursing student as part of an online educational environment? Multiple connection points between the researcher and participants as part of Relational Caring Inquiry established a research environment which was open, honest, and allowed for mutual dialogue. Inclusion of Aesthetic Ways of Knowing through the use of art and/or artistic expression, revealed a deeper facet of an online educational environment. Towards meeting the intended purpose of this study; narratives, word clouds, summary statements, collage images, and the relational dialogue between the lead researcher and study participants illuminated the meaning of transpersonal caring relationships by way of the overarching theme which emerged; Student-educator transpersonal caring relationship development shaped the overall success of the student and quality of the student's online learning experience. Realized from this study was the pivotal role of the educator in the development of a relational and caring online environment. This awareness underscored the need for academic settings to embody Caring Science as a foundation for the development of continuing education programs for online educators connected with technology, communication, and relational aspects of student-educator interactions.