Anyone that is going
through cancer treatment can tell you how difficult it is, both physically and
emotionally. Having a trusting and positive relationship with a nurse can help
chronically ill patients through treatment while caring for the many needs a
person may have or develop.Research has proven that having a positive relationship with a nurse leads to the best cancer outcomes. Whether in the hospital or in the home, compassionate and high quality nursing care can improve health and makes the most of limited resources.
Role of the Nurse:
Nurses are a patient’s
main point of contact and are able to assist in ways that lead to receiving the
proper services based on the patient’s unique needs. This is easily seen in the
home where a nurse will bring care closer to the home so that both the patient
and their family can better manage treatments and symptoms.
Nurses treat all patients with dignity and respect. This leads to a trusting relationship between the patient and their nurse. With this confidence, patients see their cancer managed effectively while improving quality of life.
These high quality
relationships can increase communication between the patient and nurse. By
working closely together, unplanned care is reduced. Nurses are able to
coordinate care so that other specialties such as social care services, support
groups and therapies can be incorporated into the patient’s personal plan of
care. The nurse can even assist the patient in finding relief from financial
burdens.
Benefits to the Patient:
The nurse advocates for the patient; in other words, the nurse is on the patient’s side. Any concern will be addressed and questions will be answered. When the answer is not immediately known, the nurse will seek out the answer on the patient’s behalf.
Nurses can help to alleviate anxiety by listening and finding additional support if needed. This is facilitated when the same nurse is assigned to the patient throughout the cancer journey. Not only is the patient supported, but the family is supported as well.
The patient may even receive holistic care from the beginning of care through the end of treatment, if necessary. The nurse will assist with understanding medications, diagnoses, treatments and schedules. Assisting the patient to self-manage increases confidence and improves outcomes.
The patient is in
control and the nurse is there to assist. The nurse uses his or her skills and
knowledge to provide the patient and their family support so that the best
progress is made. It is to the patient’s advantage to have a dedicated and compassionate
nurse at their side. So whether you are battling a breast cancer diagnosis, mesothelioma treatment or
leukemia chemotherapy, find a nursing staff that not only can help you along
the way to recovery but one you can trust and feel comfortable around as well.
Keep fighting on.
Melanie Bowen
Awareness advocate for
natural health and cancer cure initiatives
For more on Mesothelioma visit Melanie's blog
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog
For more on Mesothelioma visit Melanie's blog
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog
