Using Communication and Caring in The Development of a Therapeutic Nurse-Patient Relationship

1941 Words4 Pages

Therapeutic nurse-patient relationships lay the groundwork for successful care and rehabilitation of a patient in any setting. Whether the patient is in a nursing home, hospital, or receiving home care, a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is vital to the care of the patient. A therapeutic nurse-patient relationship can be defined as a professional relationship between the nurse and the patient that, “focuses on the client, is goal directed, and has defined parameters” (Craven & Hirnle, 2009, p. 329).

The best way to understand exactly what a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is is to look into the characteristics of the relationship. As previously stated, the therapeutic relationship focuses on the client and their goals. In contrast with a social relationship, the actions of both the nurse and patient are dedicated to the needs of the patient. Nurse and patient work together to attain the goals set for the patient. Although the nurse may enjoy interacting with the patient, this is not the purpose of the relationship. The parameters of the relationship are defined to ensure that the relationship does not curve in that direction. Parameters include, “[the] relationship is terminated when goals are met and service no longer needed” (Craven & Hirnle, 2009, p. 330). This ensures that boundaries are not crossed and the nurse-patient relationship stays a professional one.

In the nurse-patient relationship, there are three phases that help the relationship develop. Craven and Hirnle (2009) describe the first phase, orientation, “consists of introductions and agreement between nurse and client about their mutual roles and responsibilities” (p. 329). It is in this orientation phase that first impressions are made a...

... middle of paper ...

...., Jones, G., & Linscott, J. (2006). The experience of

being listened to: a qualitative study of older adults in long-term care settings. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 32(1), 46-53. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.

Kotecki, C. (2002). Baccalaureate nursing students' communication process in the clinical

setting. Journal of Nursing Education, 41(2), 61-68. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.

McNeill, C., Shattell, M., Rossen, E., & Bartlett, R. (2008). Relationship skills building with

older adults. Journal of Nursing Education, 47(6), 269-271. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.

Williams, K., Kemper, S., & Hummert, L. (2004). Enhancing communication with older adults:

overcoming elderspeak. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 30(10), 17-25. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.

Open Document