relational practice in nursing

 What is relational practice?

kate cha

What is relational practice?

According to Doanne and Varcoe (2007), relational practice is an approach in which the nurse builds relationship with the individual and family through their intentional interactions and inquiry. Relational inquiry involves the structure how we “move beyond the surface of people, situations, and relationships –beyond the iceberg pattern of interaction where a substantial portion of the elements shaping the interaction is unseen and/or ignored” (p.198).

What is my understanding of relational practice?

My understanding of relational nursing encompasses genuine participation through building authentic and therapeutic relationships with clients. Building trust is also a key ingredient for relational practice through compassion and mutual respect for clients. Although there are no particular assessments or screening tools for relational nursing practice, a structure of theoretical frameworks such as respect, empathy and active participation are used to promote relational practice. I believe when nurses can incorporate relational practice into their practice, it allows the nurse to preserve their dignity and empower them to achieve optimal health.

How do I contribute to relational practice?

During my pediatric, adolescent psychiatric rotations, and public health immunization clinic rotations, I took the time needed to get to know a client through age-appropriate approaches. For example, I used age-appropriate terms when explaining medical procedure or medications. For younger children, using a puppet or explaining a children’s book that describes what happens during doctor’s visits. Through active listening, honesty and empathy, I believed that I was able to build a connection and rapport with the child and family. According to Wong, Hockenberry and Wilson (2011), pediatric nurses should be able to build therapeutic relationship by promoting family-centered and client-centered care. Also, in a therapeutic relationship, professional boundaries are needed to encourage the family’s control over the child’s health care and are essential for effective family advocacy. Through engaging in the child and family’s goal and needs, I was able to advocate for the child and family better by assisting them to make informed decisions and pursing the child and the family’s best interests.

How do you enter into relation with children?

I enter into relation with children through different ways, as every person is unique and different. I always introduce myself to the client and family and provide care as per priority. I do my best creating caring and comforting environment by engaging in conversation with the client and family. I also provide empathic by putting the client’s value first and listening to the client and the client’s family’s stories of their past experiences.

When do you tend to be “in-sync” with children?

As Newman(2004) discussed, the communication is based on “knowing and pattern recognition” (as cited in Doanne, 2007, p.236). Hence, I tend to be in-sync with children when I listen for their stories and concerns. Synchrony may be a challenge where I have difficult time to understand what the child is trying to convey through his or her verbal and non-verbal communication. Recognizing the family centered care is critical in pediatric nursing, I usually discuss the matter with the parents who aid me in being more in-sync with the child by helping me to find ways to make the child feel more comfortable. This interaction with the family promotes building the collaborative relationship (Doanne & Varcoe, 2006a). Also, this helps the nurses put aside their own values and embrace the difference in order to work together in enhancing the family’s health and healing experience (Doanne & Varcoe, 2006a).