Self Directed Learning Essays NP1

Holistic Care

Introduction:

My ward placement has been an enriching and illuminative journey where I have obtained

a greater comprehension of the practice of nursing by witnessing and monitoring the

various aspects of holistic care by a nurse who has cared for a man who’s name

has been changed in order to protect his identity. To adhere to his right to patient

confidentiality by complying with the (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2008a), this

man will be referred to as 'Billy' throughout this account. Matiti and Baillie (2011) state that

there are four elements of an individual that consist of physical, psychological, social, and

spiritual elements and it is a professional obligation to establish the demand that all

these dimensions are adhered to when providing care to patients.

Reflective Account:

Billy is a falls risk and needs encouragement to use his walker. He independently tries

to do everything himself and remains determined to get up out of his chair to do various

activities within his room without aid of the walker. The Nurse encourages Billy and

reassures him that he may need a little bit of help if he needs to walk about.

On the ward Billy felt quite isolated and lonely, as he did not have many relatives

and did not have the confidence to meet new people. The nurse worked closely with the

remaining family members to make Billy feel less isolated by suggesting to his relatives to

bring in pictures of his family and friends so that he could see them and be reassured.

Furthermore, the nurse motivated him to go up to the day room to meet new friends by

assuring him that there are other patients who feel just the same as him.

Through this Billy became more confident, happy and approachable. This allowed

more communication and participation to take place. Additionally, Billy had a routine of

drinking a lot of tea, as he had his whole life. The nurse and staff on the ward entertained

this habit by giving him a cup of tea whenever he wanted one, and not just on the specific

times that the tea trolley went around the ward. Allowing him to continue his normal

routine, as he would of done at home.

Physical element

By focusing on Billy's craving to be self sufficient the nurse fabricated a relationship with

Billy built on recognition and trust. She attended to his basic care needs and worked with

him to establish Billy to keep his independence and to motivate him to work with her when

he wanted to get out of his chair by encouraging him to use his walker. Nurses must work

together and must appreciate and perceive the contribution that people want to make to

their own recovery. (NMC, 2008b).

Psychological element

The therapeutic nature of the relationship between the nurse and Billy was made evident

when he confided in her that he was lonely. Although he felt isolated and alone he was

able to reveal his thoughts and feelings to her, making it palpable that he trusted her.

It is vital that healthcare workers are able to determine their capacity to present

patients with care that incorporates a holistic approach to the distribution of care that will

meet their psychological needs. (Priest, 2010) Thus, we are able to establish that

through listening to Billy the nurse was able to resolve and ease the issue that he had

which in turn, made Billy become more comfortable and happy in his surroundings.

Social Element

Billy had felt isolated and did not have the confidence in himself to meet new people. The

nurse collaborated with him and the remainder of his family for Billy to feel more at home.

The nurse also helped Billy restore some of his confidence to meet new people. This