ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Caring is considered to be a highly abstract concept. Nurturing a caring attitude in nursing education is important as this is the first place for students to learn about the most significant values and essence of their profession. AIM: The aim of the study was to describe the concept of caring from the perspective of nursing students. METHODOLOGY: An exploratory research design was utilised for this study. Eight senior nursing students from one government institute (College of Nursing) in X country were recruited as study participants. Data was generated through in-depth one-to-one interviews and analysed using Creswell's six-step guide for qualitative data analysis. The interviews were tape recorded and a "member check" technique was used. FINDINGS: The study results found the themes of caring as a mothering relationship, helping attitude, limit setting, communication, and a source of empowerment and development. CONCLUSION: The implications of the findings for nursing education, faculty development, and research are described in the study.
