Nurse presence enhanced through Equus.

This research article explores equine-assisted learning as a method for helping nurses enhance their own ‘presence’ – their ability to be calm, centered, and fully present in the moment.

Objective and Method of The Study

• The primary goal of this study was for nurses to experience equine-assisted learning and describe their ability to be fully present and centered when they engage with a horse. The study also aimed to evaluate whether this interaction can realistically represent being present in the participants.
• Descriptive phenomenology, a type of research method used to investigate subjective experiences or perceptions, was employed to delve into this lived experience. It placed emphasis on comprehending the nature or meaning of everyday experiences.

Key Findings of The Research

• The research result yielded five key themes as outcomes of the equine-assisted training: ‘The Experienced Novice’, ‘Present in the Moment’, ‘Discovery of Self’, ‘Team Building’, and ‘Leadership’.
• ‘The Experienced Novice’ likely discusses how nurses, though seasoned in their profession, were novices in equine-assisted learning, which provided a new level of engagement and experiential learning.
• ‘Present in the Moment’ perhaps relates to the participants’ ability to lose themselves in the moment and focus entirely on their interaction with the horse – a critical mindfulness skill beneficial for people-centric professions such as nursing.
• ‘Discovery of Self’ might speak to the introspective aspects of the experience, with nurses gaining self-insight or self-awareness during the process.
• The ‘Team Building’ and ‘Leadership’ themes suggest that the experience might have had implications for enhancing the nurses’ capabilities in these areas, possibly due to increased confidence and awareness gained during the equine-assisted learning process.

Conclusions of The Study

• Equine-assisted learning, in light of these findings, can provide a significant platform for nurses to learn and practice their ability to be present in a moment. This skill of ‘presence’ is vital to their profession, where patient interaction calls for calm, focus, and attentiveness.
• As such, it might be inferred that integrating equine-assisted learning into nursing training and professional development activities could have potential benefits for enhancing the capabilities of nurses.