Nursing Implications For Practice - 1165 Words

Caring in Nursing: Implications for Practice A hospital setting can be a frustrating situation for the patient and the family member. The nurses help patients cope with their stressful problems through the act of caring. Caring is a key component in nursing practice as it helps to improves the overall health status of the patient. Swanson’s (1991) middle-range theory of caring gives a more understanding of this concept. As cited in Moffa (2015), according to Swanson (1991) caring is defined as â€Å"a nurturing way of relating to a valued other person, towards whom one feels a personal sense of commitment and responsibility† (p. 64). Swanson’s theory of caring uses five processes to meet the patients’ needs efficiently. These five processes†¦show more content†¦The second process of Swanson’s (1991) theory of caring is being with, which is being emotionally present for the patient. It involves the patient sharing their feelings with the nurse whether it is sadness, joy, stress or f ear. Being there for a patient involves giving them time, letting them know that the nurse is available, actively listening, and providing reflecting responses (Andershed, 2009). Assuring the patient that the nurse is there for them and is ready to listen to everything that they have to say is an important aspect in providing care. It conveys the message to the patient that the nurse appreciates and respects their feelings. An example of being there would be a nurse answering the patient’s call bell. This builds the patient’s trust in the nurse and the patients knows that their nurse is going to be there to help them whenever they call. The third process of Swanson’s (1991) caring theory caring is doing for, which is helping the patient with performing tasks that they cannot do themselves. Doing for a patient involves anticipating their needs, comforting them, protecting them by following safe practices and preforming procedures skillfully (Andershed, 2009). It can be frustrating for the patient when they are dependent on others. Therefore, the nurse must provide care in such a manner that preserves the dignity of the patient. An example of doing for is assessing a patient’s pain and coming up with a