New graduate nursing: resources and support

NEW GRADUATE NURSING Name of the Student: Course name and number: Name of the Institution: Instructors name: Date: Introduction (100 words) New graduate nurses need ample resources and support so that they can thrive in the nursing work force and be retained as professionals (Orsini, 2005 & Mills & Mullins, 2008). Research has demonstrated the transition process as an interlude where the new graduate undergoes stress and also learns (Duchscher, 2008).This essay will discuss teamwork (leadership), therapeutic relationships, and collaboration as issues encountered by graduate nurses during the transition process. Each issue will be defined, described and a justification for its selection will be given. A critical discussion of each issue will follow and, evaluation and application of each issue outlined. Body Issue 1: Teamwork (Leadership) (635 words) Task 1: Analysis and knowledge (188 words) I have selected teamwork (leadership) as a commencement of the issues encountered by new graduate nurses in transition, since teamwork has been reported as a source of support to the raw nurses, like the new graduate nurses in transition (Baker et al., 2005). Teamwork is defined as a dynamic process involving two or more healthcare professionals who have similar skills and background, share common health goals, and put into effect their mental and physical effort, in the assessment, planning and evaluation of patient care. This is capable via open communication, independent collaboration, and sharing decision making to achieve significant effect (Xyrinchis & Ream, 2008). I justify the selection of teamwork (leadership) as an issue encountered by graduate nurses in transition since playing this role can be negatively influenced by a large team size, regular changing of nurses in the team, lack of familiarity with the team, and the work environment (Kalisch & Begeny, 2005). This necessitates the need for me as a graduate nurse in transition to seek support from my colleagues, promote collegiality, and improve our mutually beneficial relationship, so as to overcome the challenges (Harder, 2006). Task 2: Comprehension and synthesis (300 words) 8 journals used Research has shown teamwork as one of the most important facilitators in achieving cost-effective and positive outcomes in diverse organizational settings (Procter & Currie 2004). It has been argued that it offers greater creativity, productivity and adaptability than an individual can offer on his own (Salas et al., 2004) while promoting job satisfaction and staff retention (Heywood & Jirjahn 2004). Teamwork has been reported to translate to job satisfaction among the nurses coupled with reduced stress levels. This is since when as issue is approached at by a team of nurses, it becomes easy to break it into small easily manageable parts. When nurses work together in attending to critical patients, heavy loads or admission of patients, it reduces the amount and the magnitude of stress that these events can cause. Teamwork reduces this stress hence there is more job satisfaction (Baker et al., 2005). Teamwork translates to a higher quality of care and increased patient safety. This is since the nurses are aware that the patients do not belong to one individual nurse, but they combine their efforts to help meet the needs of the patient. This translates to improved patient care (Grumbach & Bodenheimer, 2004).A review of studies has evidenced that teamwork, communication and leadership are critical elements to a safe environment, and also to improve team members morale and well being (Bower et al., 2003). Leadership plays a significant role in teamwork since the leaders of these teams need to concentrate on both the social needs of its members and on the task being pursued by the team players (Landy & Conte, 2008). Team leaders need to define the goals and expectations of each team player, provide guidance and feedback on their performance and consequently adjust their role to match the teams progress (Salas et al., 2004). Task 3: Evaluation and application (148 words) It has come to my knowledge, that for me to make it successfully during my graduate transition and consequently into the profession, I have to be a team player. This is since nursing needs to be talked about, shared and delegated, and this can only be achieved through teamwork. Consequently, it is important for me as graduate nurse in transition to understand the issue of team work since teamwork will assist me achieve personal objectives and will also aid positive organizational outcomes (Grindel, 2006). Understanding the concept of teamwork (leadership) is beneficial to me as a graduate nurse in transition and later in my professional career since as a leader, I will need to effectively meet the needs of my team players, treat them with respect, and also exercise my power as a leader democratically to enhance the success of the team, enhancing patient care (Lavoie- Tremblay, 2008). Issue 2: Therapeutic relationships Task 1: Analysis and knowledge (200 words) I have chosen therapeutic relationships since; it focuses on a partnership between the patient and the nurse based on mutual trust and respect, and enhances the patients` ability to cope with his adversaries (Day & Levett- Jones, 2008). It is defined as a relationship that is aimed at providing services that improve the health and well being of the client and is established and maintained by the patient and the nurse, by the use of caring attitude, behavior and nursing knowledge and skills. It is described as a four phase step commencing with the pre-interaction, then the introduction followed by the working phase, and finally the termination phase. The latter is the most important and determines the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship. For it to be effective, the nurse accepts it, the patient accepts it without feelings of anxiety or dependence, and the duty of care is handed over to the patient (Day & Levett- Jones, 2008). It entails: giving gifts to and receive gifts from the patients; appropriate boundaries for the nurse client relationship; and exerting professional judgment when establishing, maintaining, and terminating a therapeutic relationship. This justifies the selection of therapeutic relationships as the second issue of discussion. Task 2: Comprehension and synthesis (283 words) 4 journals used Therapeutic relationships between the nurse and the client are built where empathy exists. Empathy entails listening, observing, understanding and consequently attending to the patients needs, the graduate nurse is with the patient emotionally, cognitively, and physically, unlike sympathy which entails pity, compassion, and involves an emotional environment (Usher, 2005; Luck & Foster, 2005). Empathy enables the graduate nurse to objectively understand the patients` situation. As respect is a basic need for every human being, therapeutic nurse- client relationships entails the nurse responding to the patients respectfully so as to show positive regard. This in turn raises the self esteem of the patients because they feel respected. This enables the patients to work more in improving their current state by openly communicating with the nurses hence improving their care even more enhancing the achievement of the patients` and the nurses` goals (Rana & Upton, 2009). New graduate nurses need to know that this relationship develops when they come together in a moment that translates to harmony and healing for the patient. Effective verbal and non- verbal communication is an important part for this relationship to survive, and should also involve the provision of care in a way that the client feels as an equal contributor in achieving his wellness. Some basic aspects in a therapeutic relationship in nursing practice entail: introducing yourself to the patient and using her name while addressing him; providing privacy as you provide care to the patient; actively listening to the patient; maintaining eye contact, and maintaining professional boundaries. This therapeutic relationship will help the client achieve harmony in mind, body and spirit and hence recovery in his health will lead to a professional win-win for both parties (Watson, 2005). Task 3: Evaluation and application (139 words) It is important for me as a graduate nurse to differentiate the therapeutic relationship from a social relationship or friendship, since in a therapeutic relationship, the needs of the client always comes first. I should know that being a nurse gives me a privileged position because of the trust that the patient puts in me, and also because of the power imbalance. It is important for me to understand that I should not abuse this trust by using ...