Nursing Practice: Emotional Intelligence, Compassion Fatigue, Psychological Support

#Nurses experience a wide range of #emotions when caring for #patients. Empathy is powerful because it builds connection. People feel heard, supported, cared for and validated when someone is taking the time to truly walk through the steps of empathy with them. Nurses are there for some of the most challenging days in an individual’s life, and have a unique ability to provide this powerful support frequently.

Patients are discharged as quickly as possible, whether from acute care or rehab, and nurses are ultimately responsible for the seamless transition of patients to home. As a specialty, #homecare has established best practices to help in this process.

The National Comprehensive #Cancer Network notes that nearly all patients experience some level of distress at diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond into survivor ship. And up to 47% of those diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer show a significant level of distress. Unfortunately, less than half are identified and referred for #psychological support. These psychological needs must often be addressed before meeting the patient’s informational needs. #Healthcare professionals play a vital role in assessing and screening for psychological distress. 

Emotional intelligence is a new concept in nursing; initial research studies indicate that #emotional #intelligence is an important part of successful nursing practice. Although research on emotional intelligence is at the developmental stage, regardless of the theoretical framework used, there is agreement that emotional intelligence includes the concepts of emotional awareness in relation to self and others, professional efficiency and emotional management.

#Compassion fatigue occurs when a caregiver experiences what experts call “secondary traumatic stress” in reaction to caring for those who are themselves suffering from traumatic events. Although caregivers don’t actually experience the event as is the case with post-traumatic stress disorder, they experience the event emotionally by caring for the patient. CF has become more widely recognized as a problem that many nurses face. 

For more information regarding the sessions in #Advanced Nursing 2019 conference during March 13-14, 2019 @Singapore, email: advancednursing@nursingmeet.com

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