Perceptions of Caring Between Slovene and Russian Members of Nursing Teams

Abstract

Purpose: To measure the perceptions of caring between Slovene and Russian members of nursing teams and compare the results with earlier findings in other European Union countries. Method: A cross-sectional study that included nurses and nursing assistants in Slovenia ( n = 294) and Russia ( n = 531). Data were collected using the 25-item Caring Dimensions Inventory. Results: The most endorsed item for Slovene and Russian members of nursing teams was an item related to medication administration. All items that were endorsed by Russian participants were also endorsed by Slovenian participants; however, they ascribed a different level of importance to individual aspects of caring. Discussion: Compared with other European Union countries, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, Slovenian and Russian members of nursing teams endorsed more technical aspects of nursing duties as caring, suggesting cultural differences and previous influences of the biomedical model on nursing education and practice.