Serenity—Uses in the Care of Chronically Ill Older Patients: A Concept Clarification

Serenity is an emotional experience that contributes to the acceptance of a situation. One phenomenon in the care of chronically ill older patients and patients in end of life care is that too much focus is placed on the patient’s disease. This can contribute to anxiety, sadness or sense of isolation. For older people that are chronically ill or in care at the end of life, it is important that the registered nurse can help them to find serenity. Further knowledge is needed about how the concept of serenity is used in relation to the care of older chronically ill patients. Aim: The purpose of this concept analysis was to clarify how serenity is used in nursing and in relation to the care of chronically ill older patients. Method: The study follows Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis. Findings: Serenity is a state of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance when life conditions can be managed or accepted. Through the experience of serenity the chronically ill older patient is able to find or develop the self in order to continue with dignity. The concept is most used at the lowest described levels of the self, including a perception of personal safety. The highest level involves a sense of wholeness and awareness. Conclusion: The concept of serenity is used in relation to chronically ill older patients as a condition where the patient finds balance and thus can manage or accept their situation. Chronically ill older patients will not recover. For that reason it needed a better understanding about what factors to experience serenity are needed. Further research is also needed to examine how registered nurses can support older chronically patients in finding serenity with the help of nursing interventions.