Interpersonal Dynamics in a Critical Care Unit

To gather data for the following analysis, I spent fifteen minutes observing relationality as it occurred in the nursing station in the critical care unit at the Moncton Hospital. The purpose of this paper will be to outline my interpretation of this environment, in addition to the interplay of behaviors, relationships, and conversations of those present during this time. From intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual lenses, I will strive to provide a multifaceted view of my experience.
Interpersonal Analysis

From an intrapersonal viewpoint, I noted a very prominent fluctuation among individual behaviors. I noted nurses and other healthcare professionals who radiated a consistent sense of urgency and stress in response to the critical

The medical secretary, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physicians communicated consistently and appropriately so that all staff could effectively complete the actions required of their respective roles. I noted the strong relationship between the nurses and the physicians. The nurses held a heavy influence on the physician’s decisions regarding a situation, because the nurses were the ones conveying pertinent information related to the patient’s status. Based on the information provided, the physician would make recommendations and provide guidance to the nurses. The physician’s directions were then carried out by the nurse, influencing the nurse’s plan of care for his/her

For example, I noted a nurse who was required to monitor a patient with several intravenous lines, a machine inducing hypothermia, a heart monitor and intubation equipment. This nurse was very fixated on the equipment and monitors to ensure that everything was functioning appropriately and that the patient was remaining stable. This nurse indicated that she was very preoccupied and declined to have a student with her; however, this was completely understandable given the situation but speaks to the contextual influence of this acute environment on the nurse. All the equipment to maintain and monitor these ill patients lead to an environment that required a heightened level of attentiveness and responsibility to ensure that the patients remain healthy and safe. Therefore, interactions among healthcare staff were very focused and relevant to the care being