Phenomenology for the Holistic Nurse Researcher: Underpinnings of Descriptive and Interpretive Traditions

Phenomenological research is increasing in popularity in nursing research for good reason. The qualitative research method allows an in-depth exploration of patient lived experience. This knowledge has the potential to enhance quality of holistic patient care. To undertake this method of inquiry, however, it is imperative that holistic nurse researchers understand the philosophical underpinnings of the method and are familiar with the two major types of phenomenology in order to approach the study in a scholarly manner. The purpose of this article is to explicate the method’s historical roots of phenomenology, its evolution, its two major traditions and their differences, and some of the specialized terminology unique to phenomenology’s jargon so that their studies can contribute to sound nursing science and complete patient care.