The provision of care to patients that combines both the art and the science of nursing in meeting physical, emotional, intellectual, sociocultural, and spiritual needs.
As a nurse I have learnt that it is important to be dedicated towards providing holistic care using comprehensive model of caring. I concur with the idea of holism that states that for human beings the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that mind and spirit affect the body (Zamanzadeh et al., 2015). Therefore in my nursing practice I focus on meeting most of my client’s needs. I realize that my patients are made up of a body mind and spirit. When a patient has physical needs put them on appropriate therapy. If they have emotional and spiritual needs I do my best to encourage them and their families and look for means to uplift them spiritually. I also facilitate my patients and families to worship according to their faith (Zamanzadeh et al., 2015).
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As a caregiver, the nurse integrates the roles of communicator, teacher, counselor, leader, researcher, advocate, and collaborator to promote wellness through activities that prevent illness, restore health, and facilitate coping with disability or death.
Through training, I have discovered that nurses play an important role in promoting public health. I have the zeal to promote disease prevention, through educating my patients and their families on how they can avoid illnesses. I also guide them on how to identify symptoms of various diseases including the chronic diseases. I also provide patients with knowledge about their illness and guide them on self- management of the disease. In order to provide a good environment for recovery and restoration of heath I ensure that the rooms that the patients are placed are secure, free from noise and disturbances. I also ensure they eat and drink adequately. Helping them to rest and sleep comfortably is also an important step towards recovery. In case of death or disability I communicate with the family members to understand their emotions, needs, fears and opinions. Then using my nursing knowledge I can encourage them or provide advice on how to handle the situation.
The role of caregiver is the primary role of the nurse
As a caregiver, nurses have the role of providing hands-on care to patients. This mostly includes caring for physical needs by helping them to take medicines, move and maintain desirable positions, sleep and rest, keep their bodies clean and eliminate body waste. If patients have breathing problems I help them with the breathing aids and ensuring they are in the right posture. As a nurse I also help to maintain the dignity of the patients by providing knowledgeable and skilled care.
Communicator - The use of effective interpersonal and therapeutic communication skills to establish and maintain helping relationships with patients of all ages in a wide variety of health care settings
I have learned the habit of practicing reflective listening in order to establish better relationships with my patients. I discovered that sometimes patients have anxiety and become nervous of specific health conditions. In this context I try to listen to the patients concerns and opinions without interrupting them. I always accept their worries to make them feel relieved of any pressure. Other means that I use to improve communication is utilizing humor in conversations. I try to keep promises and I am cognizant with body language.
Teacher/Educator - The use of communication skills to assess, implements, and evaluate individualized teaching plans to meet learning needs of patients and their families
Clear communication and a being attentive are aspects of communication that helped me in understanding. By studying the patient’s body language I am able to understand how the disease has impacted both the patient and family members (Kourkouta, & Papathanasiou, 2014). I also do my best in explaining to clients about concepts and facts.
The use of therapeutic interpersonal communication skills to provide information, make
Appropriate referrals, and facilitate the patient’s problem-solving and decision-making skills
I use the prior acquired therapeutic interpersonal communication skills to provide patients with information about the diseases that are affecting them in a way that does not scare them. Good communication has also helped me to make correct nursing diagnosis (Kourkouta, & Papathanasiou, 2014). I handle information on disease with delicacy and advise my patients regarding the treatment and rehabilitation plans. This can be useful in problem solving and decision making.
Counselor - The assertive, self-confident practice of nursing when providing care, effecting change, and functioning with groups
As counselor, I have the role to guide my clients on some important life aspects like preventing illnesses, observing diet, adhering to medication, protecting themselves and their loved ones (Kourkouta, & Papathanasiou, 2014). Deliver on these roles; I have to be assertive, and confident. I like working in groups because they provide a good venue to brainstorm and provide varying opinion on how to handle different patients. I consider this as an opportunity to learn from colleagues who have extensive experience.
Leader - The participation in or conduct of research to increase knowledge in nursing and improve patient care
I understand that working environments for nurses are changing. For this purpose, nurses have to embrace leadership roles and participate in research activities that would increase their practice. For instance, the modern world is threatened with new diseases like cancer and Ebola that are proving hard to treat. However, there is limited time for nurses to do research as it takes time and commitment. In this regard one has to be hard working and should sacrifice their personal time to conduct research.
Advocate - The protection of human or legal rights and the securing of care for all patients based on the belief that patients have the right to make informed decisions about their own health and lives
As a nurse I am aware that patients and clients have their rights and privileges. Patients from vulnerable communities sometimes are denied their rights in hospital setting. In this context I always ensure that is treat clients from all background with dignity and off them the deserved privacy. I never disregard a client because they are form a particular community, race (Kemppainen, Tossavainen, & Turunen, 2013). It’s my responsibility to protect their rights and ensure they receive the best care possible.
Collaborator - The effective use of skills in organization, communication, and advocacy to facilitate the functions of all members of the health care team as they provide patient care.
I understand that my colleagues in nursing and care provision might have their shortcomings. Personally I am not good with working with complaining colleagues and cannot stand cases of mistreatment or disrespect. These are some of the things I am trying to improve. As a collaborator I tend to be friendly and accept colleagues as they are (Kemppainen, Tossavainen, & Turunen, 2013). I listen to them and give feedback with my ideas I think can improve their functioning.
References
Kemppainen, V., Tossavainen, K., & Turunen, H. (2013). Nurses' roles in health promotion practice: an integrative review. Health Promotion International , 28 (4), 490-501.
Kourkouta, L., & Papathanasiou, I. V. (2014). Communication in nursing practice. Materia socio-medica , 26 (1), 65.
Zamanzadeh, V., Jasemi, M., Valizadeh, L., Keogh, B., & Taleghani, F. (2015). Effective factors in providing holistic care: A qualitative study. Indian journal of palliative care , 21 (2), 214.
