Establishing a therapeutic relationship: A structured reflection

Essay by robin1234University, Bachelor'sA-, March 2012

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Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship: A Structured Reflection

A purposeful and goal-directed therapeutic relationship between a nurse and client is grounded in an interpersonal process that strives for advancing the best interests and outcomes for the client (Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, 2002). Building a trusting relationship is based on "being with," and not "doing to,"' the client in the most caring way possible. Communicating with care is a holistic approach requiring the recognition of the client as a person and not a mere body requiring nursing interventions (Balzer Riley, 2008, p.12). This reflection will examine the relational abilities in establishing a therapeutic relationship within a pre-taped clinical scenario. Through structured reflection, the nurse's image of nursing as portrayed within her therapeutic relational behaviors will be discussed as well as the meaning for both parties involved.

In the video scenario a young adult male is sitting on an examination table awaiting the arrival of Dr.

Smith. The presented scenario demonstrated a lack of professionalism and caring attitudes from the attending female nurse. Without knocking on the door, her entrance was intrusive, unannounced and careless as the door slammed against the wall. Without introducing herself, the client expressed immediate concern stating, "I came here to see Dr. Smith" and her response was, "yeah, yeah he's coming." With the door open and no discussion or eye contact, she immediately instructed the male client to take his shirt off for a blood pressure check. She explained she was taking his blood pressure and the client continued to ask pertinent questions such as, "Do you know if I'll have to go in the hospital? I need at least a doctor's note" and she parroted "yeah, yeah." She overinflated the ill-fitting cuff until it blew off and she stated "ugh, the...