PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Van der Elst, Elisa AU - Dierckx de Casterlé, Bernadette AU - Gastmans, Chris TI - Elderly patients' and residents' perceptions of ‘the good nurse’: a literature review AID - 10.1136/medethics-2011-100046 DP - 2012 Feb 01 TA - Journal of Medical Ethics PG - 93--97 VI - 38 IP - 2 4099 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/38/2/93.short 4100 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/38/2/93.full SO - J Med Ethics2012 Feb 01; 38 AB - This article describes the findings of a mixed method literature review that examined the perceptions of elderly patients and residents of a good nurse in nursing homes, hospitals and home care. According to elderly patients and residents, good nurses are individuals who have the necessary technical and psychosocial skills to care for patients. They are at their disposal, promptly recognising the patients' needs. Good nurses like their job and are sincere and affectionate. They are understanding and caring. They do not hesitate to enter into a trust-based relationship with their patients. Knowing and understanding how elderly patients and nursing home residents perceive ‘the good nurse’ is crucial for providing quality care and for promoting better patient outcomes in geriatric care.