Nurse-Patient Relationship

Nurse-Patient Relationship

            Nurse-Patient Relationship According to Smith and Parker (2015), the three phases of the nurse-patient relationship are orientation, working and resolution. These phases are sequential. The first phase, orientation, sets the stage for the relationship. The patient and provider get to know each other’s personality, needs and expectations. Trust, respect and transparency, which are established during the orientation phase, support open communication and shared-decision making between a provider and patients, patients’ families and other providers. The lack of trust and transparency impedes communication because individuals are not willing to express their thoughts, feelings and views openly. 

            The second phase, working, involves the nurse and patient collaborating to address the issues and the tasks identified in the first stage. The patient participates actively in the healthcare team and takes advantage of the available resources and services. On the other hand, the nurse assumes the role of the resource person, counselor and teacher to help the patient develop responsibility, independence and ability to face new challenges (Yoost & Crawford, 2015). The concepts of the working phase can be used to cultivate active listening and enhance trust and rapport between the provider and patients, patients’ families and other providers. Furthermore, the provider can apply the principles of the therapeutic use of the self to enhance the patients’ self-awareness and ability to participate effectively in the conversation.

            The third phase, resolution, involves the continual attainment of independence for the patient. This independence is gained through the increased ability of the individual to manage their care. The elements of resolution can help the provider to determine whether his communication strategies evoke positive or negative feelings in the other parties (Black, 2013). The provider can then modify his verbal and non-verbal skills accordingly to ensure effective communication.