Introduction
The Philosophy of Nursing Communication is a new theory that defines the central role of nurses in the healthcare system. According to Grossman (2013), nurses play a very important role in the provision of care to patients. They also act as a bridge between patients, their friends and relatives on one side and medical doctors on the other side. This new philosophy seeks to explain the central role of nurses that have been ignored for a long time.
Key Concepts of the Theory
The Philosophy of Nursing Communication is based on the argument that nurses are the nerve centers of any medical facility. Doctors cannot operate in a facility that lacks nurses. Patients rely on nurses not only for physical help but also for emotional and psychological problems. This theory holds that nurses are the link between doctors and patients (including friends and relatives of the patients). Sometimes a patient may fail to reveal some personal information to the doctors. However, they may feel comfortable sharing such secrets with the nurses because of the close relationship they can develop easily due to frequent interactions. The nurse can use such vital information to find a way of helping the patient. The theory emphasizes the need for the stakeholders in the health sector to understand and appreciate the unique role of nurses when it comes to communication with patients and their relatives. It also encourages openness between nurses and patients on one hand and nurses and doctors on the other hand.
Metaparadigms of Nursing and How They Apply in Practice
According to Peplau (2004), when developing a theory or a philosophy, it is important to ensure that it follows the basic concepts of nursing. These concepts and how they relate to this new theory are discussed below.
Person component
This component focuses on the person who is receiving nursing care and his or her relatives Laiho (2010). The Philosophy of Nursing Communication seeks to ensure that nurses develop a close relationship with their patients and relatives. The primary objective of this relationship is to ensure that nurses can gather any important information about the patients from them or their relatives. This information will be used for the benefit of the recipient of care.
Environmental component
This component focuses on the environment within which care is offered. Nurses need a working environment that is not stressful. In order to achieve this objective, nurses need to develop a close relationship with their patients. This way, they will consider these patients as friends who they should always be close to all the time. These nurses will end up enjoying what they are doing. The cordial relationship should be extended to the doctors and any other stakeholders within the hospital. It is through this strategy that the working environment will become accommodating to all the stakeholders.
Health component
This component focuses on the wellness of the patients when they visit healthcare centers. The Philosophy of Nursing Communication emphasizes on social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical wellness of a patient under the care of nurses. Nurses get to offer quality care to patients when they develop close relationships that facilitate an open communication system.
Nursing component
This component involves delivering optimal outcomes for patients in a caring environment. According to Mauk and Schmidt (2004), nurses should use their knowledge, skills, professional judgment, and existing technology to offer quality care to patients. However, this can only be possible if patients are ready to collaborate with the caregivers. The theory seeks to promote this collaboration between patients and nurses.
The Nursing Process
Research conducted by Peplau (2004) revealed that nurses work in very stressful environments. In most cases, they have to work for longer hours than other medical staff. Their tasks are also physically and emotionally demanding. Some of them end up developing psychological problems because of the nature of their work. The Philosophy of Nursing Communication seeks to address this problem in various ways. Through this theory, nurses will get to understand their patients better than they currently do. They will develop friendships with the patients that will make their work emotionally less stressful. Instead of viewing their patients as burdens, they will view them as close friends who need their attention at all times. It means that nurses will be spending their days helping and sharing with their friends within the hospitals. The nursing process will change from the boring routine as it is currently to a more interesting routine where the patient-nurse relationship is almost casual. However, it must also involve professionalism and ethics.
How the Philosophy Can Be Applied
This theory can be applied in nursing practice to help improve the working environment for the nurses. The ultimate beneficiaries of the new theory are the patient, nurses, doctors, and all other stakeholders. Nurses and doctors will find it easy to handle patients who are willing to collaborate with caregivers to improve their health conditions. To the administrators, the theory will make their work simpler than it is currently. With an improved working environment for nurses and doctors and increased productivity, the administrators will have little to worry about. The theory also encourages further research in nursing education. Given the fact that it is a new theory, it is necessary for other scholars to conduct further research in order to enhance it. Putting this theory into practice may appear simple on paper. However, it may prove to be very challenging when it comes to practice. It may not be easy for nurses to develop close relationships and trust with all the patients. Some patients may be introverts while others may have personal reasons not to trust the nurses. Future research should come up with ways through which these challenges can be addressed.
Theory’s Strengths and Limitations
It is important to appreciate that this theory has strengths and weaknesses that need to be addressed. The strength of this theory lies in what it offers to the nurses and their patients. For a long time, nurses all over the world have been complaining about the stressful condition of their working environment. However, this theory promises to change this situation. They will find it more interesting to do their work under the principles proposed by the theory. The main weakness of the theory is that it may be challenging to apply it in cases where patients are unwilling to corporate with the nurses.
Conclusion
The Philosophy of Nursing Communication is a new concept that can help improve the workplace for nurses, doctors, and other health experts. It seeks to promote relationships among nurses, patients, doctors, and relatives with the aim of improving quality healthcare delivery.
References
Grossman, S. (2013). Mentoring in nursing: A dynamic and collaborative process. New York: Springer Pub. Co.
Laiho, A. (2010). Academisation of nursing education in the Nordic Countries. Higher Education, 60(6), 641-656
Mauk, K. L., & Schmidt, N. A. (2004). Spiritual care in nursing practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Peplau, H. E. (2004). Interpersonal Relations in Nursing: A Conceptual Frame of Reference for Psychodynamic Nursing. New York: Springer Pub. Co.