NRS162 - Nursing Workplace Learning 1 Assessment Answer

Introduction

In nursing, prioritising patient welfare and nurturing meaningful therapeutic connections necessitates proficient communication and empathetic treatment. This approach enhances patient outcomes and establishes a foundation of trust and compassion in the nurse-patient relationship. Within healthcare, prominent models like Watson's Caring Science and Caritas processes underscore patient-focused care and the integration of empathy and mindfulness in nursing, which also relates to the professional nursing code of conduct. The report elucidates these frameworks and their correlation with mindfulness communication techniques, illustrated through the provided video scenario.

Watson’s Caring Science

Watson's Caring Science, devised by nursing theorist Jean Watson, offers a comprehensive approach to healthcare. It strongly emphasises compassionate actions, a deep understanding of the patient's requirements, and the therapeutic relationship between the caregiver and the patient (Watson, 2021). This framework highlights that caring moments involve genuine connections, empathy, and compassion between the caregiver and the patient, surpassing the technical aspects of care (Younas & Maddigan, 2019). The Caritas Processes, a fundamental component of Watson's Caring Science, serve as a guide for healthcare practitioners to deliver care with kindness, trust, respect, open-mindedness, and consideration for each patient's distinct needs. It underscores the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments (Linton & Koonmen, 2020).

Caring in Practice for the SRN

Three Caritas Processes can be identified Based on the interaction between the Student Registered Nurse (SRN) and the patient. The first Caritas process identified is Embrace, which explains sustaining humanistic-altruistic values by practising loving-kindness with self and others. The video shows that the nurse demonstrates the Embrace process by expressing empathy and understanding towards the patient's concerns (Park et al., 2021). She acknowledges the patient's fear and offers reassurance by stating, "The unknown is always a bit scary, isn't it?" This process helps create a supportive and caring environment crucial for a patient's emotional well-being. By acknowledging and addressing the patient's fears, the SRNs can establish trust and rapport, positively impacting the patient's overall experience and recovery.

The second Caritas process identified is Inspire, which means being authentically present, fostering faith and hope, and valuing others (Linton & Koonmen, 2020). The nurse in the video instils hope and faith in the patient by providing information about the upcoming procedure. She explains the process, addresses potential concerns, and assures the patient that the medical team will take all necessary measures to minimise her discomfort. By inspiring hope and faith, SRNs can help alleviate the patient's anxiety and build confidence in the healthcare team. This can contribute to a smoother and more cooperative patient experience, ultimately enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care.

The third Caritas process identified is Trust, which means nurturing sensitivity to self and others by evolving spiritual practices and transcending ego (Perkins, 2021). As observed in the video, the nurse acknowledges the patient's worries about the procedure and offers comforting words. She reassures the patient that she will be present for support during the procedure and throughout their stay in the hospital. Building trust with the patient is crucial for their sense of security and well-being. When patients trust their SRNs, they are more likely to communicate their concerns and follow recommended care plans openly. This trust contributes to a safer care environment and can lead to better outcomes.

Mindfulness in Therapeutic Communication

Mindfulness involves being fully aware of one's thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and surroundings without passing judgment. This cognitive state is essential in healthcare, as it establishes trust and empathy, improves communication, and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. Healthcare providers who integrate mindfulness into their practice cultivate a heightened state of present-moment focus, allowing them to be truly attentive, non-judgmental, and empathetic towards their patients (Sitzman & Watson, 2018). This heightened awareness empowers medical professionals to actively engage with patients, focusing on spoken and unspoken cues with clarity and sensitivity. It also helps them regulate their emotions and reactions, reducing the risk of burnout or compassion fatigue (De Cieri et al., 2019).

Techniques for Mindfulness in Communication

Mindfulness in nursing communication fosters a present, non-judgmental awareness, enhancing empathy and understanding between healthcare providers and patients (Sitzman & Watson, 2018). The following three mindfulness communication techniques are demonstrated in the interaction between the nurse and the patient. In the scenario, the nurse demonstrates active listening by listening to the patient's worries about the upcoming procedure and acknowledging their fear. She responds with empathy and reassures the patient that she will be there to support them. Active listening focuses entirely on understanding, empathising and responding to a speaker (Bullington et al., 2019). It demonstrates genuine concern for the patient's well-being. It fosters empathy and aligns with Watson's Caritas Process of "Embrace" while also meeting the NMBA standard of "Cultural Competence," emphasising the importance of respecting patients' cultural beliefs and values (NMBA, 2018; Akbari & Nasiri, 2022). The student nurse can apply active listening by giving their full attention to the patient, avoiding interruptions, and using verbal and non-verbal cues to show understanding. They can also use reflective statements to demonstrate their understanding of the patient's concerns.

Another mindfulness communication technique demonstrated is non-verbal communication. It involves conveying messages without using words. This includes facial expressions, body language, gestures, and eye contact. The nurse uses non-verbal cues such as maintaining eye contact, a reassuring touch, and a calm and gentle tone of voice to comfort the patient (Wanko Keutchafo et al., 2020). This kind of communication is essential to the Caritas Process of "Inspire," as it fosters a sincere sense of presence, empathy, and regard for the patient. It also complies with the NMBA standard of "Therapeutic and Professional Communication," highlighting the critical role that good communication plays in fostering therapeutic-patient relationships (NMBA, 2018; Akbari & Nasiri, 2022). SRNs can communicate nonverbally by keeping their body language open and carefree, making appropriate eye contact, and making gestures that show support and empathy.

Moral sensitivity, which involves being aware of one's values, beliefs, and ethical considerations, as well as acknowledging and respecting the values and perspectives of others, is the third mindfulness communication technique used (Neill & Bowen, 2021). The nurse listens to the patient's worries and validates their emotions without being critical. She also apologises for the patient's bad experience with another nurse, demonstrating her dedication to providing patient-centred care. Moral sensitivity, linked with the Caritas Process of "Trust," entails recognising and respecting both the nurse's and patient's values, aligning with NMBA's standard of "Professional and Ethical Practice," ensuring ethical decision-making for patient well-being (NMBA, 2018; Akbari & Nasiri, 2022). SRNs can apply moral sensitivity by recognising their values and biases and recognising that patients may have different perspectives. They should provide care that aligns with the patient's values, preferences, and needs, even if it differs from theirs (Levett‐Jone & Cant, 2020).

Conclusion

Prioritising patient welfare and establishing meaningful connections through proficient communication and empathetic care are integral aspects of nursing practice. Embracing frameworks like Watson's Caring Science and Caritas Processes emphasise patient-centred care, empathy, and mindfulness in nursing. These models and mindfulness communication techniques exemplify the commitment to holistic and compassionate patient care. Active listening, non-verbal communication, and moral sensitivity are powerful tools for building trust and understanding between healthcare providers and patients. By incorporating these practices, nurses enhance patient outcomes and create a nurturing environment that fosters trust and compassion in the nurse-patient relationship, ultimately elevating the quality of care provided.

References

‌Bullington, J., Söderlund, M., Bos Sparén, E., Kneck, Å., Omérov, P., & Cronqvist, A. (2019). Communication skills in nursing: A phenomenologically-based communication training approach. Nurse Education in Practice, 39(39), 136–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2019.08.011

De Cieri, H., Shea, T., Cooper, B., & Oldenburg, B. (2019). Effects of work‐related stressors and mindfulness on mental and physical health among Australian nurses and healthcare workers. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(5), 580–589. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12502.

Levett‐Jones, T., & Cant, R. (2020). The empathy continuum: An evidenced‐based teaching model derived from an integrative review of contemporary nursing literature. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(7-8), 1026-1040. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15137

Linton, M., & Koonmen, J. (2020). Self-care is an ethical obligation for nurses. Nursing Ethics, 27(8), 1694–1702. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020940371

‌Neill, M. S., & Bowen, S. A. (2021). Ethical listening to employees during a pandemic: new approaches, barriers and lessons. Journal of Communication Management, 25(3), 276–297. https://doi.org/10.1108/jcom-09-2020-0103

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). (2018). Code of conduct for nurses. NMBA. https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-statements/professional-standards.aspx

Park, M., Giap, T., Jang, I., Jeong, M., & Kim, J. (2021). Listening to patients’ voices: Applying the design‐thinking method for teaching person‐centered care to nursing students. Nursing Forum, 57(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12641

Perkins, J. B. (2021). Watson’s ten caritas processes with the lens of unitary human caring science. Nursing Science Quarterly, 34(2), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318420987176

Sitzman, K., & Watson, J. (2018). Caring science, mindful practice: Implementing Watson's Human Caring Theory (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csuau/reader.action?docID=5324428&ppg=21

Wanko Keutchafo, E. L., Kerr, J., & Jarvis, M. A. (2020). Evidence of nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults: A scoping review. BMC Nursing, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-020-00443-9

Watson, J. (2021). Caring science as sacred science. Lotus Library.

Younas, A., & Maddigan, J. (2019). Proposing a policy framework for nursing education for fostering compassion in nursing students: A critical review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(8), 1621–1636. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13946.

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