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Ni Za Cao
In order for therapeutic communications with a patient, it is important to build an
interpersonal relationship with them. The way nurses act and present themselves during the first
interaction with patients is critical to the manifestation of a nurse patient relationship. That first
connection will allow patients to understand that nurse is “safe, confidential, reliable, and
consistent” (Halter, 2014, p. 132). Establishing a therapeutic nurse patient relationship is
fundamental to the overall success of providing care and achieving mutual goals. Ultimately, the
purposes for such relationship are to facilitate communication of distraught feelings or thoughts
that patients might have, help patients with their problems, explore patient’s self-defeating
behaviors, and promote independence (Halter, 2014).
Trust is an essential component when creating the nurse patient relationship in order to
have a therapeutic communication. It may take time to build trust, but trust needs to be earned in
order to aid the communication process. Nurses need to understand that trust is not something
that is given; it is something that need to be earned through their interactions with patients
(Hellene et al., 2008). Along with trust, there needs to be honesty and respect between nurse and
patient. These components enable to form a more positive relationship and allow patients to
express their feelings without feeling judged or confronted.
The article written by Vatne & Fagermoen (2007) reminds me of a patient that I took care
of as a personal care attendant. One part that stood out the most to me was the narrative of
correcting uncleanness section, where the nurse decided to shower her patient because she was
concerned about the patient’s skin integrity and wellbeing. Through the dialogue, the nurse was
correcting the patient’s behavior and failed to see that the patient was being offended and out of
control. This nurse’s actions were controlling the patient as she feels responsible for their safety
and wellbeing (2007). I too had a similar experience when I was working with Jane. At the time,
Ni Za Cao
In order for therapeutic communications with a patient, it is important to build an
interpersonal relationship with them. The way nurses act and present themselves during the first
interaction with patients is critical to the manifestation of a nurse patient relationship. That first
connection will allow patients to understand that nurse is “safe, confidential, reliable, and
consistent” (Halter, 2014, p. 132). Establishing a therapeutic nurse patient relationship is
fundamental to the overall success of providing care and achieving mutual goals. Ultimately, the
purposes for such relationship are to facilitate communication of distraught feelings or thoughts
that patients might have, help patients with their problems, explore patient’s self-defeating
behaviors, and promote independence (Halter, 2014).
Trust is an essential component when creating the nurse patient relationship in order to
have a therapeutic communication. It may take time to build trust, but trust needs to be earned in
order to aid the communication process. Nurses need to understand that trust is not something
that is given; it is something that need to be earned through their interactions with patients
(Hellene et al., 2008). Along with trust, there needs to be honesty and respect between nurse and
patient. These components enable to form a more positive relationship and allow patients to
express their feelings without feeling judged or confronted.
The article written by Vatne & Fagermoen (2007) reminds me of a patient that I took care
of as a personal care attendant. One part that stood out the most to me was the narrative of
correcting uncleanness section, where the nurse decided to shower her patient because she was
concerned about the patient’s skin integrity and wellbeing. Through the dialogue, the nurse was
correcting the patient’s behavior and failed to see that the patient was being offended and out of
control. This nurse’s actions were controlling the patient as she feels responsible for their safety
and wellbeing (2007). I too had a similar experience when I was working with Jane. At the time,
