The Nurse-Patient Relationship in Cancer Care as a Shared Covenant

The concept of the nurse-patient covenant was explored using a multiple-method research design. Analysis of the literature (167 references) was the basis for 2 focus group interviews (12 nurses) and 8 semistructured patient interviews. Attributes, antecedents, and consequences were identified through an analysis of findings across all data sources. The nurse-patient covenant in cancer care is defined as an enduring relationship, embodying caring benevolence and contextually negotiated reciprocity. It is preceded by the demonstration of nursing competence as a manifestation of nursing tradition and leads to patients' trusting and entrusting nurses, the emergence of personhood and professionhood, and benefits and obligations.