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10: Patients as People

DOI:

10.1891/9780826193254.0010

Abstract

This chapter explores the nursing skills needed to effectively deal with client in the clinical setting. The individual that nurses are approaching in the hospital bed was a person long before he was a patient. The constant reference to “the patient” or “the client” in nursing program could lead nurses to believe that population is an unremarkable, homogeneous group. The chapter provides case study that explains the worst of times for patients. It also provides case study that explains each patient is unique. The chapter presents some examples for prudence in revealing nurses own story. Sharing personal information with patients can be helpful and may be reasonable if, and only if, the intention of the sharing is to assist the client during his or her difficult life situation. Professional responsibility as a nurse is to render nursing care that will benefit and help the patient achieve his or her goals.