Stage 3 Now what?
The analysis suggests that emotional care as demonstrated by the videos built the perception of overall well-being and recovery process, as emotional support plays a significant role in enhancing patient satisfaction and health outcomes (Paul et al. 2024, p.925). As I reflected upon the experiences of the patients in the videos, I understood that these insights must be applied to my future nursing practice as a graduate registered nurse. As I learnt about the importance of providing holistic care, with continuity of care, and the significance of empathetic and open communication, it reinforced the importance of patient-centred care guiding my approach to nursing in the future. Every day I will remind myself to;
Ensure continuity of care:
I will consciously work to incorporate continuity of care in my practice by remaining consistent in the care provision, particularly during shift changes. This will need clear documentation, and delivering the detailed and all the relevant information to the next team, such that continuity of care is ensured for effective treatment. This will promote a sense of security for patients and their families, alleviating the anxiety that is fostered due to unpredictable and inconsistent care (Jones and Johnstone 2019, p. 155).
Integration of Holistic care:
Since it is an established fact that patients must be catered for more than the physical symptoms. It is crucial to treat them as an individual with emotions and concerns addressing their emotional, mental and social needs along with the physical care (Frisch & Rabinowitsch 2019, p. 265). It can include simple gestures of rubbing the cream on patients' skin or asking them if they want to look in the mirror, this will bring a human touch to the experience reminding them that there is a life waiting for them outside hence helping them with rapid recovery in a stressful environment. Similarly, the emotional and physical needs of the family must also be addressed (Hajbaghery & Mokhtari 2018, p.1). I intend to listen to them carefully and offer them reassurance where needed which will have a positive impact on patients and their family’s overall experience.
