RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The caring relationship is a complex phenomenon, that is considered as a fundamental patient-centred care activity. It is a nursing skill that is neither directly visible nor measurable and can be taught to students only by referring to other equally abstract and com- plex concepts. Issues such as care, communication, counselling, narrative nursing and empathy are addressed within specific modules under the Study Plan and dedicated to the caring relationship. However doubts persist on the experience of the students about caring relationship. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was understand caring relationship meanings and experiences in basic nursing education. DESIGN: A qualitative research according to the interpretative theory was conducted. Partecipants: The study involved second-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN): at an University of northern Italy. METHODS: Data were collected through narratives of actual caring relationship experiences that students had during their clinical internships. RESULTS: The themes emerged from the accounts of 24 students were communication and the emotions related thereto. In particular, the perception of the loneliness of the patients, the characteristics associated with the ability of nurses to grasp this state and the feeling of well-being that is established in both people involved in a significant caring relationship, often based on active listening by the students. CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed us to understand the main characteristics of the students' experiences as they develop the ability to relate in a therapeutic way.
