Nursing and Therapeutic Communication

Paper Summary:

This paper is a case study, based upon a nurse's experience with a particular patient suffering from dementia. The purpose of the study is to illustrate how therapeutic communication, greater sensitivity and cultural awareness, may help increase patient trust and the efficacy of nursing care in difficult situations. The paper concludes that it is very important in any situation to put the patients and their perspective first. It suggest developing a plan of care that integrates empathy for the patient, background knowledge of the illness, and awareness of the patient's cultural backgrounds.

Outline:
Looking Back
Analysis
Revision
New Perspective

From the Paper:

"Although we knew Helen was very frightened and could not understand the situation, there was no attentive listening to her needs and concerns (Grover, 2005). We both knew that Helen was beginning to suffer from dementia. Dementia refers to "a progressive illness of cognitive, functional, and physical deterioration" (Helton & van der Stern, 2006, p. 222). On reflecting on the situation, I came to understand how ethical issues are involved. One of these issues is respect for persons because we were so taken with our efforts to stop the bleeding that we ignored the person and her needs. Another ethical issue is beneficence or doing good because the panic she felt may have worsened her dementia. Another issue is cross-cultural. Helton and van der Stern (2006) found that when dementia is involved both patients and family members have painful emotional needs take priority over everything, even decision making."

Sample of Sources Used:

• College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) 2005). Practice guidelines: Culturally sensitive care. Toronto: CNO.
• Grover, S. (2005). Shaping effective communication skills and therapeutic relationships at work. AAOHN Journal, 53 (4), 177-183.
• Helton, M. & van der Stern, J. (2006). A cross-cultural study of physician treatment decisions for demented nursing home patients who develop pneumonia. Annals of Family Medicine, 4 (3), 221-236.

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