The method may be characterized generally as descriptive but it is not a
simple cataloguing of qualities or counting of elements. Basically, it
involves an openness to nursing phenomena, a spirit of receptivity,
readiness for surprise, the courage to experience the unknown. Equally
important is awareness of one's own perspective and of personal biases.
The methodological process is subjective-objective and intuitive-analytic.
Besides subjective knowing or personal experiencing of the phenomenon,
rigorous analysis also is required. This being-with (subjective,
intuitive knowing and experiencing) and looking at (objective analyzing)
the phenomenon all at once sparks a creative synthesis, a
conceptualization from which emanates insightful description.
More specifically, the method entails _an intuitive grasp of the
phenomenon, analytic examination of its occurrences, synthesis, and
description_. In actuality, as the method is carried out, one does not
necessarily recognize or focus on these processes as distinct phases or
steps. In the flow of the experience, at times, some seem to occur
simultaneously or in oscillation. Bearing this in mind, the processes
will be considered in more detail.