Mental health nursing



Mental Health Nursing

Introduction

Supportive nurse-patient relationships play a significant role in achieving positive health outcomes for patients and family members during traumatic life events that result in long-term emotional distress. A trusting relationship with the nurse can enhance a patient's sense of security and significantly ease the suffering of patients receiving palliative care. The benefits are mutual because positive, trusting nurse-patient relationships have been found to enhance nurses' sense of personal and professional satisfaction. When it is necessary for nurses to communicate mainly by telephone with patients in home care, particular care should be taken to enhance patients' and families' trust and to emphasize and demonstrate the nurse's ability, integrity, and caring (Williamson & Child, 2010).

This intervention requires no tests, treatments, or procedures; however, familiarity with the cultural background and traditions of a patient whose life experience is unfamiliar to the nurse can be a valuable tool in developing effective nurse-patient relationships. Clear, complete, and trusting communication is established between the nurse and patient so that patient care is optimized. Positive, effective communication is established between the nurse and the patient's family members (Varcarolis, 2010).

Discussion

The case that is in practise analyzes two people i.e. the Patient George and Nurse June. Patient George has been hospitalised for the management of a long term health condition. Staff Nurse June has been caring for the patient on a regular basis. The patient, George, developed special interest in the June, and said that she is very special to him and they have developed a relationship. The paper will now analyze the therapeutic relationship that can occur between a patient and a nurse (Tan, 2009).

The nurse-patient relationship is a foundation of nursing practice because patients experience improved care when their needs are fully considered.

What: The nurse-patient relationship involves functioning within the limitations of the purpose of the relationship (e.g., purpose, place, and time of meetings/interaction are well established), therapeutic behaviors (e.g., self-awareness; respectful, genuine warmth; empathy; cultural sensitivity; collaborative goal setting; and responsible, ethical practice), recognition of the roles of the participants, and appreciation of patient confidentiality and the right to privacy (Burnard, 2002).

How: The nurse-patient relationship requires that the nurse effectively communicates information to the patient, but it also requires that the nurse listen well to understand the patient's needs and concerns, discern what information is most important and useful to the patient, and provide information in a way that is understandable to the patient.

Where: Establishing nurse-patient relationships occurs in all settings in which nurses' care for patients, including inpatient, outpatient, and homecare settings.

Who: All healthcare professionals can practice communication skills to establish a positive relationship with the patient, and these skills can be used by assistive nursing staff as well. Confidentiality is always a concern in nurse-patient relationships, therefore the patient and nurse must determine if it is appropriate for family members and other caretakers to be present during discussions (Shea & Effken, 2008).

Nurse-Patient Relationship Importance

Establishing a positive nurse-patient relationship promotes high-quality patient care by the following means promoting patient ...