Due to my infrequent and short journeys to the hospital in childhood, I observed that nursing was a science, where nurses helped to treat those who are ill. However, once I began volunteering at my local LTC unit I realized there was another aspect to nursing. This new side of nursing I had unknowingly discovered was the art of nursing. From here I began to understand that the art of nursing was a part of an intimate relationship between the nurse and patient, in which the nurse cares by exhibiting certain qualities, such as compassion, interest, and empathy. The mask making activity further increased my understanding of the art of nursing by experiencing being cared for and caring for another. Drawing on my experiences, I will explain how
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This means when caring for someone you want understand what the person is going through and try to imagine how they feel, but you have to know that you will never be able to fully experience what they are feeling during those situations. Empathy was a trait that was greatly displayed by my partner. It was demonstrated when I told her that I was a little nervous to have my face covered for a period of time before she began to apply the plastic wrap and plaster to my face. Since she understood why I was nervous to have my face to be covered in plastic wrap and plaster she was able to emphasize with me by stating that she could see why the mask making process would make someone feel uncomfortable and perhaps a little claustrophobic. Having her state that made me feel more relaxed, which in turn helped me continue to open up about myself while she applied the sheets of plaster of my face. If my partner was unable to emphasize with me during that moment I believe that it would have been detrimental to our relationship due to the fact that I would have become closed off to …show more content…
But, believing that I was going to be able to do this correctly helped me control my emotions and allowed me feel confident in myself. Using this technique resulted in the mask coming out perfectly. As I learnt through my readings, it is also a technique used by nurses and patients alike, called self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is “when a person believes he has the skills and know-how to execute a course of action to achieve specific goals, he is then more likely to try and will eventually succeed” (Gottlieb, 2014, p.159). In healthcare, this technique can be used by nurses to help them have a positive attitude and mindset, and help care and advocate for the patient. As for the patient, it can be used to help empower themselves, take more responsibility for their own health, and most importantly it can help them with their healing
This means when caring for someone you want understand what the person is going through and try to imagine how they feel, but you have to know that you will never be able to fully experience what they are feeling during those situations. Empathy was a trait that was greatly displayed by my partner. It was demonstrated when I told her that I was a little nervous to have my face covered for a period of time before she began to apply the plastic wrap and plaster to my face. Since she understood why I was nervous to have my face to be covered in plastic wrap and plaster she was able to emphasize with me by stating that she could see why the mask making process would make someone feel uncomfortable and perhaps a little claustrophobic. Having her state that made me feel more relaxed, which in turn helped me continue to open up about myself while she applied the sheets of plaster of my face. If my partner was unable to emphasize with me during that moment I believe that it would have been detrimental to our relationship due to the fact that I would have become closed off to …show more content…
But, believing that I was going to be able to do this correctly helped me control my emotions and allowed me feel confident in myself. Using this technique resulted in the mask coming out perfectly. As I learnt through my readings, it is also a technique used by nurses and patients alike, called self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is “when a person believes he has the skills and know-how to execute a course of action to achieve specific goals, he is then more likely to try and will eventually succeed” (Gottlieb, 2014, p.159). In healthcare, this technique can be used by nurses to help them have a positive attitude and mindset, and help care and advocate for the patient. As for the patient, it can be used to help empower themselves, take more responsibility for their own health, and most importantly it can help them with their healing