A Smile and Hug can go along way

Jean Baynes
Instructor M Goodsitt
Writing 101
22 April 2012



                               A Smile and Hug can go along way

Wow, I have always wanted to be a nurse, but after today I’m not so sure anymore. My full name is Brenda Marie Bones, and I go by Bren. Today is my first official day as a registered nurse. At first, I was really excited to start my day, but as my day has progressed everything I touch seems to be getting messed up. First of all, I accidently gave a patient the wrong meds, then had another patient get sick all over me. Then, a doctor yelled at me for someone else’s mistake, and to top it all off I’m in charge of a five year old patient who’s always crying. I’m so frustrated and really don’t know how to make my day any better. Seriously, I don’t understand why she cries every time she sees me. I went to my patient’s room whose name Susie and asked her what was wrong. “In response, I get a blood-curdling scream and she started yelling No! No! Leave me alone!” I just don’t understand. Is it something I did or said to her?

Susie is a five year old little girl with blonde hair and big blue eyes. Susie is very scared and just wants to go home. “Where’s my Mommy, Susie asked”? Nurse Bren walked into my room with a stern look on her face and says your mom is not here and I don’t know when she is coming back. “Oh well, Can I have something to eat then? Asked Susie”. No you may not stated Nurse Bren. Susie was so hungry and didn’t understand why she couldn’t have anything to eat. Susie began to cry and Nurse Bren quickly walked right out the room door.

I just don’t understand what Susie wants. I told her she couldn’t eat and she just cries. Why? I just don’t get it. I will go back in and ask her what’s going on? “Susie is everything okay”? Asked Nurse Bren. Susie just stares at me and doesn’t utter a word, she just begins to cry. I walk over to her and let her know that everything is going to be alright. Finally, for the first time since we had met, I saw a smile spread across her face. Wow, I didn’t realize that approaching Susie with a calm and relaxed tone would give me such a different response. I really need to be aware of how I enter Susie’s room.

From that point forward, during the duration of Susie’s stay, I would enter her room with a smile and she would just brightened up immediately. The day that Susie was to be released was one of the saddest days of my newly started nursing career. No one ever tells you how much time you will spend with your patients, and that maybe at the end of their stay you will be attached to them emotionally.

I went in to tell Susie goodbye and that I was happy that she was getting to go home and that she was feeling better. Susie gave me a huge smile and the biggest hug ever. As she left tears came to my eyes because I never thought I would get anything other than a cry from her.

My experience with Susie taught me that the way you treat a patient, no matter their age makes a big difference in the interactions you will have with them. I will always remember that a five year old was responsible for making me realize just how important a smile and hug can truly be. Looking back on my first day of being a nurse, I now realize that I was truly blessed to have Susie as my patient.

Opinion of Nursing and Empathy

Jean Baynes

Instructor M Goodsitt

Writing 101

17 April 2012

                                                                PB G: Educational/Professional Genre

Opinion Page

What do you think about when you first hear the word empathy?  Well, when I hear the word empathy, I think of someone who has the ability to be compassionate and understanding of one’s feelings and needs.  I hope that these individuals have the capacity to help me with my needs and maybe even my wants. 

I want to share a little about nursing and empathy and how they go hand in hand with one another.  Do you think that you are an empathic individual?  I would most definitely say that I am.  I think that having the ability to show your feelings and have the concept of understanding someone else is such an awesome quality to have.  So I feel that being in the medical field, you should be a compassionate person who wants to do what is best for your patient. 

Empathy in the nursing field is as essential part of you being a nurse.  You must be able to gain the trust of your patients as well as the trust of your fellow co-workers.  Your patients will then allow you to be the “middleman” and rally for them treatment needs and recovery process. 

Empathy in the medical profession should be a requirement.  With more education on the skills or qualities of empathy or even compassion training, I feel that medical field would be such a better environment.  But, seriously some might say who cares about empathy.  As long as you do your job then it really doesn’t matter how your patient feels about you or even the lasting impression you left behind.  This is the biggest mistake that the medical profession is making in this day and age.  Compassion and the ability to understand you patient and their needs is what keep bringing your patients back to your office/hospital and paying your salary.

If the medical profession truly took the time to care about their patients, than doctors, nurses or any medical personal would be more inclined to make their patients happy and try to establish a rapport with all the potential patients or individuals that they will come across on a daily basis. 

So in closing, my advice to anyone who is entering the medical field should be prepared to encounter some individuals who take the time to care about their patients as well as their recovery.  At the same time, you will come in contact with individuals who don’t care about their patients or their needs and just think of their profession as a way to pay the bills.  What type of nurse do you want your patients to associate you with? A caring, compassionate nurse who helped them with their treatment and recovery.  Or a nurse who couldn’t wait to leave their work environment and won’t hesitate to step on anyone’s toes as they do.  I would prefer to have my patients remember me as the nurse who stopped and listened to their concerns and would assist them with their medical needs. 

Revised RE 2 and Reflection Letter

Jean Baynes

Instructor M. Goodsitt

Writing 101

05 April 2012

RE: 2 Revised with Reflection Letter


How empathic is the nursing profession? Depending on who you ask, I’m sure you will get very different answers. Some may say it’s very empathic, while others may say not at all. I was able to conduct interviews with two nurses, one male nurse who thinks empathy is a learned quality, while the other nurse a female, feels like you either have empathy or you don't. During the duration of this paper you will understand the differences and how they affect nurses and patients in the healthcare.
 

What is empathy? According to Wikipedia the definition of empathy is the capacity to recognize and to some extent share feelings “such as sadness or happiness” that are being experienced by another. Many patients hope to find the nurse that makes them feel like its okay to be sick and no matter what they will be there to assist and understand their needs. During my interview with my sister Joy, a newly trained nurse, I asked her what she thought of when she heard the word empathy. "She stated that being empathic is different than feeling sorry for someone, but trying to put you in their position and being able to understand them. (Baynes, personal communication, March 25, 2012). “Empathy can help a person move beyond feelings of negativity and hopelessness about a situation so that they can start to focus on moving through the situation.” (Sweeney. Par. 1)

First of all, is empathy a very important part of a nurses everyday life with patients?
Showing empathy may be difficult for some, but can also be very easy for other individuals. “How you speak to these patients can be the difference between a scary illness and all-around devastation. I can’t count how many times I have heard a patient comment on how the nurse “made all the difference.” (C. par.5) “It is very important for a nurse to display empathy toward his or her patients. Nurses spend a significant amount of time directly interacting with their patients and, for some, it is the only human contact a person receives during their stay at a hospital.  Therefore, feeling understood and having their situation validated by a nurse handling their case is crucial.” (Sweeney.par.2)

  

Can you be taught to be empathic? You can definitely be taught the qualities of showing empathy, but until you encounter a situation you won’t know what is necessary in order to make it through and how you will respond. "According to Kris, an experienced nurse, he felt that being empathic can be a learned quality, which may come quickly for others, but some individuals may still struggle. Since empathy is a learned quality you can teach it, but it's going to be very difficult to set up a learning experience for someone. With a hand on experience empathy would be easier to understand." (Van Metter, personal communication, March 25, 2012).

According to a nursing student,"Nikki C’s, blog on bench prep she has found out that
the ability to impart this knowledge comes from within. It is not a learned skill to be able to EMPATHIZE with your patients. I truly believe that you either have it or you don’t.
Patients can tell when you are faking that compassion, believe me. So now on top of being a care coordinator, (BOSS!) a lawyer, and a nurse, you are a counselor! I know, the job titles are endless…" (C. par.6)

‘‘Nursing students are so focused on the science of nursing that they might neglect the art, which includes the empathetic communication that is the heart of the nurse-patient relationship.’’ (Ward, Cody, Schaal, Hojat, 2012) The article also suggests certain strategies to be included in the nursing training, like role-play, having preceptors as role models, and more.

“Caring for the sick requires a true DESIRE to help them. It can’t be that you just need a job, or that you look cute in scrubs. These people are often facing their worst fears. They need and are depending on your ability to not only care for them medically, but to provide for them emotionally. ARE YOU READY?” (C. par. 7) I learned during my interviews that each nurse has their own way in which they take care of patients. Just because it works for your fellow co-worker does not mean that it will work for you or your patients.

I have spoken with my brother-in-law Kris, who feels like empathy is a learned quality and you have to the ability to be taught such a great quality. I was able to learn that it is very important that the patient and nurse establish a rapport at the beginning of treatment in order for your patient to become comfortable with you as their nurse and you to gain your patient’s trust. I think that being able to learn empathy is an amazing asset to anyone in the medical field. I feel more training associated with empathy would be very helpful to anyone in a position where this quality is necessary.  “Empathy is also non-observed, a patient cannot tell when a nurse is being empathic, but they know when they are not, patients who feel at ease with a nurse can allow for certain medical aspects to be understood.  Since empathy is a characteristic of nursing it cannot be taught, those who enter this field have a caring nature and nurture complex already in place.” (Sweeney. par. 8)

As a patient, would you be willing to have a nurse who treats you will respect or would you prefer a nurse who doesn't care about you or treatment? Personally, I would choose a nurse that understands your wants and needs and is willing to do whatever possible to make me feel comfortable. So the next time, you are required to be in contact with a patient, think about the way you are treating them and if you would want to be treated that same way some day.  “With empathy comes equality, nurses who bond with their patients and help them through painful decisions give the patient a reason to get better.  Nurses can’t take the place of a patient but they can help the patient feel wanted.  Many people who have to stay in the hospital are scared and feel out of touch with their lives.  A nurse should make them feel comfortable and help them through anything they are feeling.”  (Sweeney. par. 6)

In conclusion, I hope after reading my paper you will be able to see and understand how important being empathic is in the nursing field. Many individuals may still think that empathy is not necessary, but according to patients who need your help they would prefer someone who shows compassion and empathy. I feel that knowing how important empathy is in association with nursing will give me a better understanding of how I will treat my patients in order to give them the best experience possible. I hope in the future that we will be required to continue education with clinical as well as emotional education.

 

Works Cited Page

At the Nursing Station. “Nursing With No Empathy”. Web 08 April 2012.

Baynes, Joy E., Registered Nurse. Personal Interview. 25 March 2012.

C. Nikki. “BenchPrep Nursing and Empathy” Web 3 April, 2012.

“Definition of Empathy.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., n.d. Web. 4 April, 2012.

Sweeney. Jamie. “The Importance of Empathy” Web 20 March, 2012.

 Van Metter, Kris., Registered Nurse. Personal Interview. 25 March 2012.

Word Count: 1256

Reflection Letter

Blog Readers

Writing 101

8 April, 2012

Dear Blog Readers,

I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to read my blog.  I hope that you were able to understand what my research question was about and that I provided enough information so you don’t feel totally lost.  I think that during this project we were able to work with various different writing process outcomes.  I feel that the most important one was Processes, which allows the writer the ability to write several drafts to achieve the best possible report.  During the writing of my report, I had the ability to look up numerous sources and then be able to cite them throughout my paper and provide my readers the information about my research topic. 

So far, I have learned that it will be necessary for you to write various drafts and locate supporting documentation to use in your papers.  As long as you cite your sources, then you will be able to use them in your project.  I feel that knowing this information will be most helpful when I have to write more research papers.

I feel most confident about the conclusion of my paper.  My conclusion is stated below:

In conclusion, I hope after reading my paper you will be able to see and understand how important being empathic is in the nursing field. Many individuals may still think that empathy is not necessary, but according to patients who need your help they would prefer someone who shows compassion and empathy. I feel that knowing how important empathy is in association with nursing will give me a better understanding of how I will treat my patients in order to give them the best experience possible. I hope in the future that we will be required to continue education with clinical as well as emotional education.

I think that the body of my writing most definitely needs the most work. I feel like I’m not including enough information and that it’s not flowing properly.  In the future, I hope to get some more help with the body of my writing and understand what I am doing wrong.

Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to read my post and I hope that you enjoyed reading about my research question.

Sincerely,

Jean B

Re 2 Draft with Reader View

Jean Baynes
Instructor M. Goodsitt
Writing 101
05 April 2012

RE: 2 Draft


How empathic is the nursing profession? Depending on who you ask, I’m sure you will get very different answers. Some may say it’s very empathic, while others may say not at all. During the duration of this paper you will understand the differences and how they affect nurses and patients in the healthcare.

What is empathy? According to Wikipedia the definition of empathy is the capacity to recognize and to some extent share feelings “such as sadness or happiness” that are being experienced by another. Many patients hope to find the nurse that makes them feel like it’s okay to be sick and no matter what they will be there to assist and understand their needs.









First of all, Is empathy a very important part of a nurses every day life with patients?
Showing empathy may be difficult for some, but can also be very easy for other individuals. “How you speak to these patients can be the difference between a scary illness and all-around devastation. I can’t count how many times I have heard a patient comment on how the nurse “made all the difference.” (C. par. )


Can you be taught to be empathic? You can definitely be taught the qualities of showing empathy, but until you encounter a situation you won’t know what is necessary in order to make it through and how you will respond.

According to a nursing student , Nikki C’s, blog on bench prep she has found out that
the ability to impart this knowledge comes from within. It is not a learned skill to be able to EMPATHIZE with your patients. I truly believe that you either have it or you don’t.
Patients can tell when you are faking that compassion, believe me. So now on top of being a care coordinator, (BOSS!) a lawyer, and a nurse, you are a counselor! I know, the job titles are endless…

Caring for the sick requires a true DESIRE to help them. It can’t be that you just need a job, or that you look cute in scrubs. These people are often facing their worst fears. They need and are depending on your ability to not only care for them medically, but to provide for them emotionally. ARE YOU READY?



I have spoken with numerous nurses and even patients and was able to learn that it is very important that the patient and nurse establish a rapport at the beginning of treatment in order for your patient to become comfortable with you as their nurse and you to gain your patient’s trust.

As a patient, Would you be willing to have a nurse who treats you will respect or would you prefer a nurse who doesn't care about you or treatment? Personally, I would chose a nurse that understands your wants and needs and is willing to do whatever possible to make me feel comfortable.

In conclusion, I hope after reading my paper you will be able to see and understand how important being empathic is in the nursing field. Numerous individuals may still think that empathy is not necessary, but according to patients who need your help they would prefer someone who shows compassion and empathy.
Comments:
E. - The research question is changed into a well worded statement in the first half of the paragraph. You stay unbiased when you state that some say there is empathy and some not at all. I believe that the purpose of your essay, just from reading the first paragraph is about empathy and different types.

F. - I like your lead it is strong and to the point. Maybe some more elaboration on the target group of people you would ask in relation to a particular answer.

G. - I don’t see the work cited page so I am not sure who your sources are or how many but It seems you integrated your sources well within your piece. The information you site does support your research statement. I am sure as you add more information more references will be cited.

H. - I did not notice any quotes from your fieldwork.

I. - I like your lead in when you state what is empathy? Starting the next sentence with “According to Wikipedia” Your lead in on the third paragraph is also done well.

J. - Your overall tone is nice. It is not too harsh that may turn people off. Your facts are directly stated, clear and articulate with some underlying humor. I like the comment about the “looking cute in scrubs” maybe you can add some more of those comments. It gave a personal touch within the writing.

K. - Your conclusion is well written, direct and also to the point. Maybe elaborate more on who the numerous individuals are that empathy is not necessary.

L. - I like your essay, as I read it I was not confused and it flowed through from beginning to end.