To discover some of the means by which nurses let older people know that they sense their suffering and are willing to try to relieve or at least reduce it.
A purposive sample of seven nurses employed in long-term care in Canada was recruited by network sampling. Data from unstructured interviews and participant observations were analysed and themes identified.
The overarching theme identified was attention to the essential ordinary, with two sub-themes being 'attention to the little things' and 'keeping the promise to never abandon'.
Paying attention to the little things, and the resulting patient-centred approach that this care provided, seemed to send a message to patients that they had value. When nurses were able to enhance the esteem needs of patients in this way they also found meaning in their work and a sense of professional fulfilment.