Be present in times of pandemic. Critical reflection on the concept of Nursing Presence

Abstract

Introduction: Presence is a complex concept, difficult to define, considered by many to be intangible, but central to several nursing models and theories. Essential element to nursing practice. Method: Critical analysis of the scientific literature about the Presence in Nursing, in the form of snowball reflection, aiming to present the dissonant and similar aspects, controversies, disagreements and concerns expressed by the various authors, and possibilities for consolidation and conceptual elucidation. Results: From the consulted works, it can be seen: a) difficulty maintained in the universal definition of the Nursing Presence concept; b) there is disagreement about the Presence as an instrument or competence c) the Presence often appearscombined with otherconceptsand behaviors d) thereisa discussion about thesimilarityand overlap between Presence and other important concepts for the discipline; e) there are fundamental attributes that guarantee the quality of the Presence. The Presence discussed in this article has an ethical objective, which is beyond the nurse’s conduct and behavior, but which includes the ontological understanding of who is present. Conclusion: Presence is a nuanced and complex concept that was first introduced in the nursing literature in 1962, with different interpretations coexisting today, which makes its discussion, understanding and conceptual consolidation difficult. In times of social detachment, such as the case of this pandemic, if we do not promote this clarification, there is a risk that this essential concept will lose its fundamental meaning, diluting in a single word, emptied of its importance, and disappear under more tangible priorities.