If possible, assign the same nurse to patient each shift to establish rapport and foster development of a therapeutic relationship.- Discuss with patient factors that make it difficult to fulfill patient's usual vocational or social role. How does patient feel about no longer being in the usual role? Discussion helps patient gain insight and rationally define problems and potential solutions.
- Spend ample time with patient each shift to foster a sense of safety and decrease loneliness.
- Provide opportunities for patient to express thoughts and feelings to help patient identify how altered role performance has affected patient's life.
- Encourage patient to explore strengths. Having patient talk about existing strengths will help in identifying new strengths patient needs to develop to succeed in a new role.
- Convey a belief in patient's ability to develop the necessary coping skills. By projecting a positive attitude, you can help patient gain confidence.
- Be aware of patient's emotional vulnerability and allow open expression of all emotions. An accepting attitude will help patient deal with the effects of chronic illness and loss of functioning.
- Provide opportunities for patient to make decisions and encourage patient to maintain personal responsibilities. Showing respect for patient's decision-making ability enhances feelings of independence.
- Encourage patient to participate in self-care activities, keeping in mind patient's physical and emotional limitations. Involvement in self-care promotes optimal functioning.
Assess patient's knowledge of illness and educate patient about condition, treatment, and prognosis. Education helps patient cope with effects of illness more effectively.- Encourage patient to recognize personal strengths and to use them. This will help maintain optimal functioning and foster a healthier self-image.
- Encourage patient to continue to fulfill life roles within the constraints posed by illness. This will help patient maintain a sense of purpose and preserve connections with other people.
- Encourage patient to participate in his or her care as an active member of the health care team. This will help establish mutually accepted goals between patient and caregivers. Patient who participates in care is more likely to take an active role in other aspects of life.
- Help family members identify their feelings about patient's decreased role functioning. Encourage participation in a support group. Relatives of patient may need social support, information, and an outlet for ventilating feelings.
- Offer patient and family members a realistic assessment of patient's illness, and communicate hope for the immediate future. Education helps promote patient safety and security and helps family members plan for future health care requirements.
- Educate patient and family members about managing illness, controlling environmental factors that affect patient's health, and redefining roles to promote optimal functioning. Through education, family members may become resources in patient's care.
Investigate support groups and other community resources to help the patient find new outlets for forming social relationships.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Anticipatory Guidance; Caregiver Support; Coping Enhancement; Family Process Maintenance; Role Enhancement; Hope Instillation |