Aim: The overall aim of this thesis is to create knowledge about caring and learning asan intertwining phenomenon at a Dedicated Education Unit and how it can bedeveloped.

Approach and methodA lifeworld approach, based on the phenomenological philosophies foremost derivedfrom Husserl and Merleau-Ponty was used and carried out in lifeworld interviews andwith meaning-oriented analysis in accordance with reflective lifeworld research. Theparticipants were: 13 student nurses (study I), 11 patients (study II), 8 supervisors (studyIII) all from the same DEU in orthopedic care and 10 managers from various DEUs(study IV).

Main findingsIntertwined caring and learning is most evident in genuine encounters between studentsand patients, supported by supervisors and managers. The intertwining is created inappealing challenges where students feel safe and ready. In the encounter with thepatient they gain a sense of the whole where they can find their personal style. Patients,who feel invited to participate, could describe the encounter with students as genuineand a new dimension in nursing care. These encounters are characterized by closeness,thoroughness, accessibility, acknowledgement and sensitivity. When the encounter isless genuine, supervisors constitute an essential support for stabilizing the care.Supervisors constantly move in order to either stay close to or stand back, adjusting tothe students’ and patients’ needs. Their demanding task as reflective supervisors requirespauses in order to maintain motivation. The managers’ daily struggle in a stressful andchallenging reality is influenced by them either having or taking responsibility.Differences in approaches are shown in terms of more or less involvement andcommitment in caring environment and educational issues.

ConclusionsGenuine encounters are characterized by the core of both caring and learning and willthereby benefit both the students and the patients. Identifying and supporting genuineencounters is necessary for students, supervisors and managers. It is time to find ways todevelop a unified view of how caring and learning can be intertwined.